Rahul Gandhi Defends Pawan Khera Amid Allegations Against Assam CM's Wife
Congress Stands by Pawan Khera
On January 31, 2026, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed support for Pawan Khera amidst allegations regarding multiple passports held by Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma. In a post on X, Gandhi labeled Sarma as the most corrupt chief minister in the country and called for an investigation into the Congress's claims. He stated that the current chief minister of Assam is the most corrupt and will not evade the law. Misusing power to intimidate political rivals and critics is unconstitutional, he emphasized, urging for transparency and accountability as foundational to constitutional values. The Congress party stands firmly with Pawan Khera, asserting they will not be intimidated.
Legal Troubles for Pawan Khera
These remarks followed Assam police's appeal to the Supreme Court against a decision by the Telangana High Court, which granted Khera a week-long transit bail under certain conditions starting April 10. According to the bail order, Khera must seek appropriate legal relief from the competent court in Assam. Khera, who heads the Congress's media and publicity department, alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma possesses three passports and that her family, including her son, is involved in a business worth ₹52,000 crores in the United States. The chief minister's family has denied these allegations. Following these claims, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma filed an FIR against Khera, leading Assam police to conduct a search at his residence.
Gaurav Gogoi Critiques CM Sarma
On April 10, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, describing his response as one of panic and desperation. Speaking to a news media outlet, Gogoi remarked that Sarma appears to be extremely anxious, not anticipating that the news would spread so widely. He noted that for the past five to six days, Sarma has been visibly distressed. Gogoi added that merely shouting does not alter the truth; showing off one's investigative power does not make facts imaginary.