Raijor Dal Calls for CBI Probe into CM Himanta Sarma's Foreign Property Allegations
In a significant political development in Assam, the Raijor Dal, a key ally within the Congress-led opposition alliance, has formally demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into serious allegations against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family. The demand centers on claims that the chief minister and his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, possess properties and hold passports from foreign nations, raising questions about citizenship and electoral integrity.
Citizenship and Disqualification Demands
Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi, who is contesting from the Sivasagar assembly seat, made the demand public on Tuesday, asserting that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma holds passports from three foreign countries: the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Antigua and Barbuda. Gogoi emphasized that under Indian law, if a citizen acquires a passport from another nation, their Indian citizenship is automatically revoked. "My demand is that her citizenship should be cancelled immediately, and steps should be initiated to arrest her," he stated forcefully.
Furthermore, Gogoi called for an investigation into allegations that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma owns properties abroad. He argued that such claims, if proven, should lead to severe consequences. "His candidature in this election should be disqualified, and he should resign immediately to ensure a fair investigation during a CBI probe," Gogoi added, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
Criticism of Authoritarian Actions
Gogoi did not stop at the property allegations; he also launched a scathing critique of the state government's recent actions, particularly a police raid at the Delhi residence of Congress media and publicity chairman Pawan Khera. Describing the raid as oppressive, Gogoi likened the state government's tactics to a "Hitler-style government," accusing it of authoritarian behavior aimed at silencing opposition voices.
Speaking to the media, Gogoi expressed confidence in the opposition's electoral prospects, claiming that all people of Assam would vote against the current administration. He accused Chief Minister Sarma of evading direct accountability. "Khera raised legitimate questions, and those should be answered directly. The CM lacks the courage and is instead hiding behind the police," Gogoi remarked. He also suggested, based on body language observations, that the chief minister's wife might be involved in asset accumulation, vowing that the opposition would form the government and secure victories for all three Gogois in the upcoming elections.
Background of the Police Raid
The demand for a CBI probe comes in the wake of a police action on Tuesday, where a team from the Crime Branch police station in Guwahati, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Debajit Nath, conducted a search at Pawan Khera's residence in Delhi. This raid followed an FIR lodged by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma against Khera, filed just hours after he publicly accused her of holding multiple foreign passports and owning a limited liability company in the United States. The timing of these events has intensified political tensions, with opposition parties alleging misuse of state machinery to target critics.
As the political landscape in Assam heats up, these allegations and demands for investigations are likely to play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and electoral outcomes, underscoring the ongoing struggle between the ruling party and the opposition alliance over issues of governance, transparency, and legal accountability.
