In a politically charged atmosphere in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma finds himself at the center of a storm following serious allegations regarding foreign assets and multiple passports linked to his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. The controversy erupted during a press conference held on April 5, 2026, where Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera claimed that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possesses passports from three different countries: the UAE, Antigua and Barbuda, and Egypt. These allegations have ignited intense scrutiny and debate in the lead-up to the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.

Khera’s assertions included detailed claims about the passports, stating that one is a ‘golden card’ issued in Abu Dhabi, valid until March 13, 2027, while the Antigua and Barbuda passport was issued on August 26, 2021, and is valid until August 25, 2031. He further alleged that the Egyptian passport was issued on February 13, 2022, and remains valid until February 12, 2029. Such claims raise significant questions about the legality and implications of holding multiple passports, particularly for an Indian national.

In response to these allegations, Sarma did not hold back. He described Khera’s claims as “malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies aimed at misleading the people of Assam.” Sarma asserted that the Congress party’s accusations reflect their “deep frustration and panic” as they face the reality of the upcoming elections, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to secure at least 100 seats in the 126-seat Assam Assembly.

Sarma’s reaction escalated the situation further, as he announced his intention to file both criminal and civil defamation cases against Khera within 48 hours. He emphasized that the allegations suggest attempts to relocate abroad after losing elections, a claim that adds a layer of urgency and seriousness to the unfolding drama. “Truth will prevail. Those spreading misinformation will be held accountable,” Sarma declared, signaling his determination to counter the accusations.

The political landscape in Assam is already fraught with tension, and this latest controversy is likely to exacerbate the existing divisions. Observers note that the timing of Khera’s allegations, just before the elections, suggests a strategic maneuver to undermine Sarma’s credibility and sway public opinion. The BJP’s stronghold in Assam has been challenged in recent years, and the stakes are high as both parties gear up for a fierce electoral battle.

As the situation develops, political analysts and party officials are closely monitoring the reactions from both sides. The Congress party’s strategy appears focused on leveraging these allegations to create doubt about Sarma’s integrity and leadership. Meanwhile, the BJP is expected to rally around Sarma, reinforcing their narrative of political victimization and resilience in the face of opposition attacks.

With the elections on the horizon, the implications of this controversy could have lasting effects on the political dynamics in Assam. As both sides prepare for a heated campaign, the unfolding drama surrounding Himanta Biswa Sarma and the allegations against his family will undoubtedly remain a focal point of discussion among voters and political commentators alike.

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On March 13, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 22nd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan) scheme from Guwahati, Assam. This installment will see over ₹18,640 crore transferred directly into the bank accounts of more than 9.32 crore farmer families across India.

The PM Kisan scheme, initiated in February 2019, has been a significant lifeline for farmers, providing them with financial assistance of ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments. With this latest release, the total amount disbursed under the scheme will exceed ₹4.27 lakh crore, marking a substantial investment in the agricultural sector.

In this installment, over 2.15 crore women farmers will receive financial assistance, reflecting the government’s commitment to empowering women in agriculture. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a prominent figure in the government, emphasized the importance of this timely assistance, stating, “This timely assistance helps farmers purchase essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.”

The PM-KISAN scheme has not only provided direct financial support but has also boosted demand in the rural economy and reduced farmers’ dependence on debt. Chouhan noted, “The PM-KISAN scheme has boosted demand in the rural economy, reduced farmer’s dependence on debt, and encouraged agricultural investment.” This indicates a broader impact on rural livelihoods and economic stability.

To enhance transparency and accessibility, the government has implemented a robust digital infrastructure for the PM-KISAN scheme. Farmers can complete their e-KYC from home using a face-authentication-based mobile app, and the ‘Know Your Status (KYS)’ module allows beneficiaries to check their payment status and eligibility. This digital approach ensures that the benefits reach genuine farmers while minimizing fraud.

Additionally, the government has introduced a ‘Voluntary Surrender’ facility for affluent farmers, allowing them to opt-out of the scheme to ensure that the benefits are directed towards those who truly need them. A verification system is also in place to remove ineligible or deceased beneficiaries from the list, further enhancing the scheme’s integrity.

As the PM Kisan scheme continues to evolve, observers are keenly watching its impact on the agricultural landscape. The AI-based voice chatbot ‘Kisan-eMitra,’ which provides information related to PM-KISAN in 11 regional languages, is another step towards making the scheme more accessible to farmers across the country. Details remain unconfirmed regarding future expansions or modifications to the program, but the government remains focused on ensuring that the welfare of farmers is at the heart of policy-making.

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The new integrated terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati commenced commercial operations on March 11, 2026. This development is expected to significantly enhance passenger handling capacity and improve operational efficiency, marking a pivotal moment for the region.

Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, highlighted that the terminal was constructed with local participation, symbolizing Assam’s growing role as a key gateway to the northeastern region and beyond. This facility is anticipated to facilitate increased air traffic and connectivity for the state.

Cultural Milestone for the Guwahati Artists Guild

In addition to the airport developments, the Guwahati Artists Guild is celebrating its golden jubilee, marking 50 years of contribution to the visual arts in Assam. The celebrations began with an art exhibition titled ‘From the Land of Chitralekha’, which was inaugurated on March 9, 2026.

The exhibition features works by 32 women artists and aims to present a diverse range of visual languages, mediums, and materials. The event underscores the importance of highlighting emerging voices alongside established artists.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors daily from 3 pm to 8.30 pm until March 21, 2026. This initiative not only showcases artistic talent but also fosters community engagement and appreciation for the arts.

Upcoming Events in Guwahati

As part of the ongoing celebrations, the Guwahati Artists Guild has scheduled a theatrical performance by Papri Medhi on March 14, 2026, followed by a day-long documentary screening on March 15, 2026. These events are expected to further enrich the cultural landscape of Guwahati.

In the realm of sports, the Rajasthan Royals will face off against the Chennai Super Kings in their opening match at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 30, 2026. This match is part of a series of three home games for the Royals, adding to the excitement in the region.

As Guwahati continues to evolve, the integration of infrastructure and cultural initiatives reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of life and opportunities for its residents. Further developments in both the airport operations and cultural events are anticipated, signaling a vibrant future for the city.

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The PM-Kisan scheme provides financial assistance to farmers, which is crucial for agricultural inputs. This initiative aims to support farmers across India by directly transferring funds into their bank accounts.

Recent Developments

On March 13, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 22nd instalment of the PM-Kisan scheme from Guwahati, Assam. Beneficiaries will receive Rs 6,000 directly into their accounts, contributing to the overall financial assistance provided to farmers.

The release will amount to approximately Rs 19,000 crore, benefiting around 9.32 crore farmers nationwide. This financial support is expected to assist farmers in purchasing essential agricultural inputs, thereby enhancing their productivity.

Upcoming Engagements

Following the PM-Kisan instalment release, Modi is scheduled to travel to Silchar in the Barak Valley on March 14. During this visit, he will lay the foundation stone for the Rs 22,000-crore Guwahati–Silchar high-speed expressway and the Silchar flyover.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also scheduled to arrive in Guwahati on March 15, indicating the government’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure development and support for the agricultural sector.

Officials and observers anticipate that the release of funds will significantly impact the agricultural community, providing much-needed financial relief and support. The PM-Kisan scheme continues to play a vital role in the government’s efforts to bolster the agricultural economy in India.

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