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‘Mad dog has bitten them’: Assam CM Himanta’s wife files FIR against Congress over its allegations, calls for MEA verification

Statesman News Service

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma have launched a sharp counterattack against the Congress over allegations concerning passports and undisclosed foreign assets, even as the issue gains traction in the run-up to the April 9 Assembly elections.

Riniki Bhuyan Sharma said she has filed an FIR against those making the allegations and urged authorities to verify facts through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). She accused the opposition party of acting in frustration and trying to “set up a playbook”. She asserted that the matter cannot be treated in “a lenient manner” and called for due legal action.

The controversy was triggered by Congress leader Pawan Khera, who alleged that the Chief Minister’s wife possessed multiple passports from different countries – the UAE, Egypt and Antigua and Barbuda and that certain overseas assets had not been disclosed in the Chief Minister’s election affidavit.

Separately, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi also raised questions publicly, seeking clarification on alleged foreign assets, business interests, and visa status linked to the Chief Minister’s family.

‘Baseless, legally unsustainable’: Riniki Sharma

Rejecting the claims, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma described the allegations as “baseless” and said they reflected a lack of understanding of Indian laws. She pointed out that Indian law does not permit dual citizenship, calling the claims of multiple passports “factually incorrect.”

She also dismissed assertions about property ownership abroad, stating that neither she nor her family holds any assets or business interests outside India.

Alleges ‘defamation campaign’ using AI

Escalating her attack, Sharma accused the Congress of setting a “shameful example” by running a smear campaign using manipulated content. She alleged that doctored images and AI-generated material were being circulated to tarnish her family’s reputation.

She said, “It seems that a mad dog has bitten them, and from the top rung of the Congress to the lowest rung, I believe that they don’t have anything else to do except defaming people that too with AI generated and total photoshop. One more thing that they have done well is set up a playbook… It is an example set to the entire Assamese society by a very veteran party, which is very shameful.”

According to her, the opposition’s actions stem from political frustration amid the BJP’s perceived momentum in the state ahead of the elections.

The exchange further escalated on social media, where Sharma directly responded to Gogoi’s questions, reiterating her denial of any overseas financial links. She also countered with questions directed at the Congress leader, intensifying the political confrontation.

With campaigning entering its final phase, the issue has added to the charged political atmosphere in Assam. The state is set to vote on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.

 

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