Congress Seeks Disqualification of Assam CM Over Alleged Asset Non-Disclosure
Allegations Against Assam Chief Minister
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma at Vijay Sankalpa Sabha in Bajali on Thursday (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, Apr 6: On Monday, the Congress party lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India, requesting the disqualification of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The complaint alleges that Sarma failed to disclose his wife's supposed offshore assets in his election affidavit.
Bidisha Neog, the Congress candidate contesting against Sarma in the Jalukbari constituency, submitted the complaint to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She also called for an investigation into the alleged concealment of information.
According to the complaint, Sarma's affidavit does not mention any offshore or foreign assets, which is a requirement under Form 26. Evidence from the Dubai Land Department reportedly shows that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the Chief Minister's spouse, owns two properties in Al Barsha South Fourth, Dubai.
Neog contended that the intentional omission of these assets breaches legal requirements and could lead to the rejection of Sarma's nomination under the law. She urged the Commission to conduct an immediate inquiry and dismiss the nomination based on Section 36 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, along with actions under Section 125A.
Additionally, the Congress has reached out to the Enforcement Directorate, requesting the initiation of a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, concerning undisclosed assets in Dubai and Wyoming, USA, linked to the Chief Minister's wife.
Previously, Congress leader Pawan Khera had raised concerns about alleged foreign properties and assets, including claims of multiple passports and investments through shell companies.
In response to these allegations, Sarma refuted the claims, asserting that they were based on “false information” from a Pakistani social media group.
In light of Sarma's denial, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi challenged the Chief Minister to refute the allegations under oath on the Bhagavad Gita.