Congress Launches Scathing 20-Point 'Chargesheet' Against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
The political landscape in Assam has been jolted by a major development as the Indian National Congress has formally released a comprehensive 20-point 'chargesheet' targeting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. The document, unveiled on February 19, 2026, contains serious allegations of corruption and illicit wealth accumulation.
Key Allegations Presented by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
The chargesheet was presented by senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who serves as the chairman of the party's candidate screening committee. In a significant move, she alleged that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with his cabinet ministers and several BJP MLAs, have systematically accumulated illegal assets. These assets, according to the Congress, have been registered not only in their own names but also in the names of various family members.
The 20-point document outlines specific instances and patterns of alleged financial misconduct. It claims to provide evidence of disproportionate wealth and unexplained income sources among the ruling party members. The Congress has positioned this chargesheet as a detailed indictment of the BJP's governance in Assam, accusing the administration of prioritizing personal enrichment over public welfare.
Political Implications and Context
This development comes at a crucial time in Assam's political calendar, with the Congress seeking to regain ground in the state. The release of the chargesheet is seen as a strategic effort to challenge the BJP's dominance and highlight issues of transparency and accountability. By involving a high-profile leader like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress aims to draw national attention to these allegations.
The document reportedly includes:
- Allegations of illegal land acquisitions and property deals
- Claims of financial irregularities in government contracts
- Accusations of misuse of public office for personal gain
- Details of alleged shell companies and benami transactions
Congress officials have stated that they plan to use this chargesheet as a central tool in their upcoming electoral campaigns, urging voters to reconsider their support for the BJP based on these corruption claims.
Expected Responses and Next Steps
The BJP and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma are expected to issue strong denials and counter-allegations against the Congress. Political analysts suggest that this chargesheet could intensify the already heated political rivalry in Assam, potentially leading to legal battles and further investigations.
The Congress has indicated that they will be submitting copies of this document to relevant investigative agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation, demanding immediate probes into the allegations. They have also called for public debates on the contents of the chargesheet, challenging the BJP leadership to provide transparent explanations for the wealth accumulation patterns identified in their report.
As this political drama unfolds, all eyes remain on Assam, where governance and corruption allegations have taken center stage in what promises to be a contentious pre-election period.