In a scathing political attack that has sent shockwaves through Indian politics, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera has labeled Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as the most corrupt chief minister in India's independent history. The explosive allegations were made on November 28, 2025, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing political rivalry between the Congress party and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Assam.
The Corruption Allegations
Pawan Khera, who serves as the chairman of the AICC's Media and Publicity Department, did not mince words during his statement to the press. He asserted that the people of Assam are determined to defeat Sarma in upcoming elections and claimed that the chief minister is acutely aware of this growing public sentiment against his administration.
The Congress leader's allegations represent some of the most severe corruption charges leveled against any sitting chief minister in recent memory. While Khera did not provide specific evidence during his initial statement, the timing of these accusations suggests a strategic move by the Congress party to intensify its political offensive in the northeastern state.
Political Context and Implications
Himanta Biswa Sarma, once a prominent Congress leader himself before joining the BJP, has emerged as one of the most powerful political figures in Northeast India. His defection to the BJP in 2015 marked a significant turning point in the region's political landscape and contributed substantially to the BJP's expanding influence in states traditionally dominated by the Congress.
The relationship between Sarma and his former party has been notably acrimonious, with both sides frequently exchanging sharp criticisms. However, Khera's latest characterization of Sarma as independent India's most corrupt chief minister represents a dramatic escalation in rhetoric that is likely to dominate political discourse in the coming weeks.
Public Response and Future Outlook
According to Khera's assessment, the people of Assam have reached a breaking point with Sarma's leadership and are actively seeking change through democratic means. The Congress leader expressed confidence that voters would deliver a strong message to the current administration when they next go to the polls.
These allegations come at a crucial juncture in Assam's political timeline, with both state and national elections looming on the horizon. The corruption charges are expected to become a central theme in the Congress party's campaign strategy as they attempt to regain lost ground in the state.
As the political temperature rises in Assam, all eyes will be on how Chief Minister Sarma and the BJP respond to these serious allegations. The coming days are likely to see intensified political maneuvering from both sides as they prepare for what promises to be a fiercely contested electoral battle.
