Assam Chief Minister's Wife Rejects Congress Allegations of Foreign Passports and Assets
In a sharp escalation of political tensions ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has vehemently denied allegations from the Congress party that she holds foreign passports and has undisclosed assets abroad. The controversy erupted after Congress leaders made claims based on documents, leading to a heated exchange on social media and in press conferences.
Riniki Bhuyan Sharma's Strong Rebuttal on Social Media
On Monday, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma took to X to address the allegations directly, targeting Assam Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi. In her post, she stated, "I'll save you the suspense and answer these laughable questions myself, @GauravGogoiAsm. Here it is: Neither I, nor my children, nor my husband have any business interests or assets in Dubai or anywhere outside India." She further challenged Gogoi, asking, "Now your turn. Can you disclose whether your wife has or has ever had a bank account in Pakistan? And will you make those details public?"
She also noted a shift in the Congress narrative, pointing out, "Also interesting how, within 24 hours, you've already climbed down from your claim of a 'golden visa on an Egyptian passport' to now talking about an 'Indian passport.'"
Congress Allegations and Legal Questions
The row was triggered on Sunday when Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged that documents suggested Sharma held multiple active passports, raising potential violations of Indian law. Khera called for an investigation into the chief minister's alleged financial and property links abroad, claiming that his wife's assets in Dubai and the United States were not disclosed in official affidavits.
Khera also questioned Sarma's stance on dual citizenship, stating, "Himanta Biswa Sarma's entire politics is based on hatred against Muslims, but how does his wife hold passports from two Muslim countries? According to Indian law, you cannot hold dual citizenship, so does Rinki Bhuyan Sarma also hold an Indian passport?" He added provocative queries about Sarma's relationship with Home Minister Amit Shah.
Assam Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi joined in, calling for a further probe into the matter, intensifying the political clash.
Himanta Biswa Sarma's Counterattack and FIR Filing
In response, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a press conference on Monday, accusing the Congress of relying on fake and externally sourced material to target his family. He alleged that the entire press conference by Pawan Khera and Gaurav Gogoi was based on material supplied by a "Pakistani social media group."
Sarma announced that he and his wife had filed an FIR against Khera for using what he described as "fraudulent documents." He claimed that the passports allegedly linked to his wife were fabricated, stating, "The original UAE passport was uploaded on social media by a Pakistani man. They (Congress) did AI Photoshop in the passport. Tipu Sultan had uploaded the original passport on social media. The Egyptian passport is also fake. You can find out through Google Reverse."
Additionally, Sarma alleged that Pakistan-linked channels had recently broadcast multiple election-related shows favouring the Congress, suggesting a broader political conspiracy.
Implications for Assam Politics
This controversy comes at a critical time as political parties gear up for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. The allegations and denials highlight the intense rivalry between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in the state. Key points from the dispute include:
- Riniki Bhuyan Sharma's firm denial of any foreign assets or passports.
- Congress accusations based on documents, with calls for legal investigations.
- Himanta Biswa Sarma's counterclaims of fake documents and foreign interference.
- The filing of an FIR against Congress leaders, escalating the legal battle.
As the situation develops, this row is likely to influence public perception and political strategies in Assam, with both sides digging in for a prolonged confrontation. The focus remains on transparency, legal compliance, and the integrity of political discourse in the lead-up to the elections.
