The political landscape in Assam has grown increasingly contentious as the Congress party has formally urged the Election Commission to disqualify Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from the upcoming Assembly elections. The party’s request is rooted in claims that Sarma failed to disclose his wife’s alleged offshore assets in his election affidavit.

This demand comes in light of allegations regarding potential foreign investments and properties held by Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. Congress leaders have raised concerns about the possibility of the Chief Minister’s family owning properties in Dubai and having business interests in Wyoming, USA, suggesting these may involve shell companies to obscure true ownership. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera asserted that he possesses documented evidence indicating that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma holds multiple passports, including those from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Antigua and Barbuda.

As the state prepares for polling scheduled for Thursday, with vote counting set for May 4, these allegations add a layer of complexity to the electoral battle. Congress candidate Bidisha Neog, who is directly contesting Sarma in the Jalukbari constituency, has been vocal in her calls for accountability. She submitted a representation to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, urging a thorough investigation into the alleged concealment of foreign assets that Sarma’s election affidavit purportedly failed to address.

Neog emphasized that there are statutory requirements compelling candidates to fully disclose all offshore assets, and she believes that Sarma’s affidavit does not comply with these legal obligations. The stakes are particularly high in this election, as Sarma’s leadership has been pivotal for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam, especially in light of the state’s diverse socio-political dynamics.

In response to these serious accusations, both Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife have denied any wrongdoing, labeling the claims as politically motivated. As the electoral date approaches, the scandal could sway voter sentiment and impact the BJP’s standing in the state. With transparency in political financing becoming a focal point of public concern, the Congress party’s allegations could pose a significant challenge to Sarma’s re-election bid.