Political Row Intensifies in Assam as Gaurav Gogoi Targets Himanta Sarma Over Family Asset Allegations

A sharp political confrontation has erupted in Assam ahead of the Assembly elections, with senior Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi launching a direct attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over allegations concerning his family’s financial disclosures.

At the centre of the controversy are claims related to Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, with the Congress alleging that she possesses multiple foreign passports and has undisclosed overseas assets. Gogoi publicly challenged the Chief Minister to swear on the Bhagavad Gita and deny the accusations, escalating the rhetoric in what is already a heated election atmosphere.

According to the Congress, the allegations include claims that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma holds more than one passport and has business interests abroad, particularly in the United States. The opposition has framed the issue as one of transparency and accountability, questioning whether the Chief Minister has fully disclosed his family’s financial interests.

Responding strongly, Himanta Biswa Sarma dismissed the accusations as baseless and politically motivated. He accused the Congress of resorting to misinformation in a bid to gain electoral advantage and asserted that neither he nor his family has engaged in any wrongdoing. The Chief Minister also indicated that he may pursue legal action against those making what he described as defamatory claims.

Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, too, rejected the allegations, calling them “laughable” and without any factual basis. She questioned the intent behind raising such issues during the election period and defended her professional and business record.

The controversy has triggered a war of words between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress, with leaders from both sides stepping in to back their respective positions. While the Congress continues to press for answers and greater transparency, BJP leaders have accused the opposition of engaging in character assassination.

Political observers note that the timing of the row is significant, as Assam prepares to head into a crucial electoral contest. With voting around the corner, the issue has quickly become a major talking point in the campaign, reflecting the increasingly aggressive tone of political discourse in the state.