Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that his wife has got an FIR filed over the allegation made by Congress leader Pawan Khera that she holds multiple passports or three different countries
The opposition on Sunday had alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma had concealed that she possessed passports from three different countries and that the CM had concealed information about her properties abroad.
Sarma rejected the claims and called them “fabricated,” threatening to take legal action against those who made the claims.
However, the Congress repeated the claim at a news meet in Guwahati on Sunday evening.
Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged that Sharma held passports in the UAE, the twin island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, and Egypt. They further alleged that she had properties in Dubai and a company in Wyoming, US.
He said that the ownership violated Indian law related to dual citizenship. He also pointed out irony, saying, “Himanta Biswa Sarma’s entire politics is based on hatred against Muslims, but how does his wife hold passports from two Muslim countries? According to Indian law, you cannot hold dual citizenship, so does Rinki Bhuyan Sarma also hold an Indian passport?"
The CM said that the recent claims made by the Congress were sourced from Pakistani social media, which were trying to influence the Assam elections.
“Yesterday, Pawan Khera and Gaurav Gogoi did two press conferences, one in Delhi, one in Guwahati. During our research, we found that the entire material of the press conference, which took place yesterday, was supplied by a Pakistani social media group," Himanta alleged.
“In the last 10 days, Pakistan channel has done at least 11 talk shows regarding the election in Assam, which never happened earlier. And in every talk show, the conclusion is that Congress should win," he added.
The CM threatened legal action, saying that the allegation, when coupled with the fact that they were fabricated to influence the outcome of an election, attracts higher penalties, including life imprisonment.
He said that he is sure the police would register the case and take necessary action.
Sarma also said that the Dubai passport allegations were confirmed as fake by the Dubai government. "The Assam Police have already initiated an inquiry. Confirmation has been received from a Dubai government website that the Dubai passport mentioned is fake. Reports on the other two passports will be received from those governments by Monday or Tuesday," Sarma said.
He said that the documents being circulated by the Congress were digitally manipulated and that Khera's figures on the alleged companies were unrealistic.
“Today, Pawan Khera held a press conference claiming my wife has three passports from three different countries. He also mentioned several companies in my son’s name, claiming they are worth Rs 52,000 crore. The entire budget of Assam isn’t even Rs 52,000 crore. Even if a chief minister earns for 20 years, it couldn’t be Rs 52,000 crore. That’s basic common sense," Sarma said.
The exchange has come just days before the Assembly polls in Assam which will be held on April 9.