Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi hit out at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of spreading “lies” and hiding assets and business interests abroad.
Speaking to ANI, he said, “He can tell thousands of lies. He has been lying for a very long time. The Congress party is going to expose all these lies related to his family assets and his family businesses abroad. The question is clear: Does your family have a gold card in Dubai? Does your family have property in Dubai? Third, did you declare this in your election affidavit?”
He further alleged that if such information was not disclosed, legal action could be taken.
“He should be categorically disqualified, an ED case should be registered against him, and if our government comes to power, legal action will be taken against all his illegal properties, illegal businesses and all his links ranging from cow smuggling to the coal mafia,” Gogoi said.
These comments come in response to allegations made by Sarma, who had claimed that the Congress is “finished” in Assam and accused party leaders including Gogoi and Pawan Khera of having links with Pakistani social media groups in connection with the passport controversy involving his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.
Sharma claimed that the documents circulated by Congress leaders were “photoshopped” and taken from Pakistani platforms, allegations he dismissed as fabricated. He also questioned Gogoi’s alleged foreign ties and suggested that such actions could harm national interests.
“Why is Pakistan helping Gaurav Gogoi?”. Sarma asked during a press conference, and informed that a police complaint has been lodged against Khera and others. He further said that the matter has been reported to the Government of India and hinted at possible legal proceedings.
The controversy stems from allegations by Congress leaders that Sarma’s wife holds multiple passports and undeclared business interests abroad, including in Dubai and the United States – allegations the Chief Minister has strongly denied and described at least one of the cited documents as “fake”.
Assembly elections are going to be held in Assam in a single phase on April 9, in which voting will be held on 126 assembly seats across the state. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.