Assam CM's Wife Denies Allegations of Foreign Assets Amid Political Controversy
In a recent political clash, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam's Chief Minister, has firmly denied allegations from Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi regarding foreign assets and business interests. She challenged Gogoi to disclose details about his wife's alleged bank account in Pakistan. The exchange has heightened tensions as the Assam Assembly elections approach, with accusations flying back and forth. Sarma has warned of legal action against false claims, while the political landscape heats up ahead of the crucial vote on April 9. This unfolding drama raises questions about transparency and accountability in the lead-up to the elections.
| Apr 6, 2026, 17:37 IST
Denial of Allegations by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma
Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the spouse of Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has dismissed claims made by Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi regarding any foreign properties or business interests held by her or her family. In a post on X dated April 6, she stated, 'I won’t keep you in suspense and will address these ridiculous questions myself. Here it is: neither I, nor my children, nor my husband have any business interests or properties in Dubai or anywhere outside India. Now it’s your turn. Can you disclose whether your wife has a bank account in Pakistan or ever had one? Will you make those details public?'
Criticism of Changing Claims
She further criticized Gogoi for his shifting statements, noting, 'It’s interesting that within 24 hours, you have retracted your claim about a “golden visa on a Egyptian passport” and are now discussing an “Indian passport.”' This exchange followed Gogoi's earlier inquiries on X regarding the foreign assets and passport details of Sarma and his family. Gogoi had posed several questions, including whether Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife possesses a golden visa for Dubai, if it is on an Indian passport, and whether any family member owns property in Dubai or conducts business abroad. He also questioned if Sarma had disclosed any foreign assets in his election affidavit.
Call for Transparency
Riniki Bhuyan Sarma added that if Himanta Biswa Sarma has nothing to hide, he should welcome an investigation. In response, Sarma referenced the 1989-1990 St. Kitts forgery case involving former Prime Minister VP Singh's son, which was later found to be based on forged documents. The Chief Minister warned of legal action against false claims, tweeting that the Congress party had previously used similar tactics in the St. Kitts case, which are now outdated. 'Fabricated stories will be met with strict legal action; my legal team is already on it,' he stated.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Elections
The controversy intensified following allegations made by Congress leader Pawan Khera during a press conference on April 5. Khera claimed that Mrs. Bhuyan Sarma holds three passports and that the couple, along with their son, is involved in a ₹52,000 crore business in the United States. Mr. Sarma refuted these allegations, stating they would file a defamation lawsuit against Khera. This political dispute has emerged just before the Assam Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, where voting will take place across 126 constituencies, with results to be announced on May 4.