Guwahati, Assam — Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently dismissed allegations made by the Congress party concerning his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma's, passports, labeling them "false and fabricated." The Chief Minister further escalated the political dispute by alleging a "Pakistani link" to the opposition's claims, made on October 29, 2023. This development has intensified the political discourse in the state.

The controversy began when Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia and MLA Rakibul Hussain, publicly alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possessed two passports simultaneously, an action that could contravene passport regulations. They displayed purported copies of two passports, demanding an investigation into the matter.

Chief Minister Sarma swiftly and strongly refuted these accusations during a press conference. He stated that the allegations were baseless and a deliberate attempt to defame his family. Sarma explained that his wife had applied for a new passport due to the impending expiry of her existing one. He clarified that the old passport was duly surrendered upon the issuance of the new document, adhering to all official procedures. He challenged the Congress to produce tangible evidence of her holding two valid passports concurrently, asserting that such claims were part of a larger, insidious agenda.

Sarma’s counter-allegation of a "Pakistani link" marked a significant turn in the narrative. He suggested that such unfounded claims were being circulated at the behest of external forces aimed at destabilizing the region and creating political turmoil. While not providing direct evidence for the "Pakistani link," he implied a deeper conspiracy behind the Congress's accusations.

Key details surrounding the allegations and responses include:

  • Allegation: Congress leaders claimed Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possessed two active passports.
  • Evidence presented by Congress: Purported photocopies of two passports were shown to the media.
  • CM Sarma's rebuttal: Denied the allegations as "false and fabricated," stating proper procedures were followed for passport renewal, including the surrender of the old document.
  • CM Sarma's counter-allegation: Suggested a "Pakistani link" behind the Congress's claims, implying foreign involvement in political defamation.
  • Challenge issued by CM Sarma: Challenged Congress to physically produce the two alleged active passports.
  • Legal threat: CM Sarma indicated that he would consider legal action against those making and propagating the "false" claims if they failed to substantiate their accusations.

The incident underscores a period of heightened political tensions in Assam, with the ruling party and opposition engaging in sharp exchanges. The allegations against the Chief Minister's family, coupled with his strong rebuttal and counter-accusation, have brought issues of personal integrity and national security into the political spotlight.

The immediate implications involve a potential legal battle, as Chief Minister Sarma has threatened to initiate legal proceedings against the Congress leaders if their claims remain unproven. This development is expected to keep the issue alive in public and political discourse, potentially leading to further demands for transparency or investigations from both sides.