Gaurav Gogoi Challenges Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Foreign Assets; Riniki Sarma Defends Family
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Guwahati, April 6 (NationPress) A fierce exchange of words has unfolded in Assam as Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi directed pointed inquiries at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding purported foreign assets linked to him and his family, which the CM's wife vehemently denied.
In a message posted on X, Gogoi outlined five crucial questions for the Chief Minister, including whether Sarma’s wife possesses a “golden visa” for Dubai, if such a visa is associated with an Indian passport, and whether any family members of the Chief Minister have overseas properties or businesses.
He further probed whether these assets were mentioned in Sarma’s election affidavit.
“If he has nothing to hide, Himanta Biswa Sarma should welcome an investigation,” Gogoi asserted, amplifying the political discord between the ruling BJP and the Congress in this election-driven state.
The allegations prompted a swift and strong rebuttal from the Chief Minister's spouse, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, who branded the accusations as unfounded and “laughable.”
In her response on X, she firmly rejected any claims of foreign business or financial connections. “Neither I, my children, nor my husband hold any business interests or assets in Dubai or elsewhere outside India,” she declared.
In a counter-offensive, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma questioned Gogoi's background, demanding clarity on whether his wife has ever held a bank account in Pakistan and if he would make those details public.
Her response not only escalated the exchange but also turned attention back to the Congress leader. She highlighted Gogoi's changing narrative, noting that his earlier accusation referred to a “golden visa on an Egyptian passport,” which he has now altered to an Indian passport. “You’ve already backtracked within 24 hours,” she remarked.
This back-and-forth illustrates the growing political tensions in Assam as the state gears up for upcoming elections, with both the BJP and Congress engaging in increasingly personal attacks.
While Gogoi has called for transparency and a potential investigation, the Chief Minister’s family has categorically denied any undisclosed foreign assets or interests.
The unfolding controversy is anticipated to further ignite political discourse in the state, with both factions likely to sustain their aggressive tactics in the days to come.