Congress Alleges Three Passports; Sarma Vows Legal Retaliation

CM Sarma, addressing the media, described Pawan Khera's press conference as a reflection of deep frustration and panic within the Congress party. He argued that as Assam moves toward a historic mandate, such desperate attacks only expose the party's sinking ground. Sarma pointed out glaring inconsistencies in the documents presented by Khera, suggesting they were the result of crude digital manipulation. He emphasized that the allegations are politically motivated lies designed to mislead the people of Assam.

The Chief Minister also addressed the specific claims regarding the passports. He questioned the logic of Pawan Khera's assertion that Sarma's politics are predicated on hatred against Muslims, given his wife's possession of passports from two Muslim countries. "Are they making preparations to flee the country in the event of an electoral defeat?" Pawan Khera had asked, a sentiment Sarma rejected as baseless.

Sarma reiterated his confidence in the judiciary, stating that once the truth is established in a court of law, the allegations would be dealt with accordingly. He promised that Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife would file both criminal and civil defamation cases against Pawan Khera within the next 48 hours. "He will be held fully accountable for his reckless and defamatory statements," Sarma declared, asserting that the people of Assam would not be misled by such propaganda.

The Congress leader also directed his comments toward federal leadership, urging Home Minister Amit Shah to consider constituting an Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate these matters. He called upon Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to take cognisance of the alleged concealment of information, arguing that Sarma should not remain out of jail for even a single day and that his nomination must be cancelled.

Riniki Bhuyan Sharma also dismissed the accusations of land grabbing, misappropriation of temple donations, and siphoning off government subsidies as part of a recurring narrative of allegations against the Chief Minister. She maintained that the specific documents presented by the Congress regarding foreign assets were entirely fabricated and that the legal system would soon correct the record.

Sarma's Legal Response and Election Stakes

The political standoff highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding the Assam elections, where allegations of financial misconduct and dual citizenship can significantly impact voter perception. As Pawan Khera intensifies the campaign peak, the threat of defamation suits adds a legal dimension to the electoral contest. If the courts find merit in the allegations regarding hidden assets or undisclosed foreign passports, the nomination cancellation request could proceed, altering the political landscape just days before the voting date. Conversely, if the defense proves the documents are doctored, the Congress party risks a backlash for what appears to be a poorly executed campaign strategy. The coming 48 hours will be critical as both sides prepare for court proceedings that could define the final days of the election campaign.