Congress Leader Pawan Khera Demands Clarity from Assam CM Himanta Sarma on Foreign Assets
Congress leader Pawan Khera has launched a direct attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, demanding immediate transparency regarding disclosures made in official affidavits. The political confrontation has escalated dramatically ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections, with Khera vowing to present additional evidence in the coming days.
Allegations of Concealed Overseas Properties and Shell Companies
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Khera posed a series of pointed questions, challenging the Assam CM to explain alleged omissions in election affidavits. "Are they denying that they have no property in Dubai? Are they denying that they have no company in America? Are they denying that they have no shell companies anywhere in the world?" Khera demanded. He specifically accused Sarma of concealing details about Dubai properties owned by his wife.
The Congress leader further elaborated on his allegations, claiming financial connections to shell companies abroad. "Himanta Biswa Sarma has kept his money in shell companies set up in Wyoming. Why Wyoming? Because there's no tax here… It's a well-known place where people's properties are hidden away," Khera stated. He also questioned why Riniki Bhuyan Sharma allegedly holds three passports, insinuating potential criminal intent or preparation to flee after elections.
Himanta Biswa Sarma's Strong Rejection and Legal Action
In a swift and forceful response, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma categorically dismissed all allegations as "malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies" aimed at misleading the people of Assam. Taking to social media platform X, Sarma announced that both he and his wife would initiate legal proceedings against Pawan Khera within the next 48 hours.
"My wife and I will be filing both criminal and civil defamation cases against Shri Pawan Khera. He will be held fully accountable for his reckless and defamatory statements," Sarma declared. Expressing unwavering confidence in the judiciary, he added that once the truth is established in court, Khera would face the consequences of his actions.
Khera's Call for Investigation and Detailed Claims
During his press conference, Khera presented specific allegations that he claims warrant immediate investigation. He asserted that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma has a company registered in Wyoming, USA, with membership including herself, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and their son. Khera called upon Union Home Minister Amit Shah to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and urged Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to take cognizance of the alleged affidavit discrepancies.
The controversy erupted after Khera alleged that Sharma holds multiple foreign passports and has extensive business and property links abroad, including in Dubai and the United States. Sarma, however, countered by pointing to "serious discrepancies" in the documents cited by Khera, suggesting possible fabrication or manipulation as part of a politically motivated campaign timed with the Assam assembly elections.
As the war of words intensifies, the political atmosphere in Assam grows increasingly charged. With legal battles looming and promises of more evidence to come, this confrontation between the Congress and the ruling dispensation is set to dominate headlines in the critical pre-election period.
