Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati

Guwahati, Apr 6: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, alleging a foreign-linked misinformation campaign after party leaders raised questions about the financial and personal records of his wife during the ongoing election season.

The controversy erupted after Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi, held press conferences in New Delhi and Guwahati claiming that Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, possessed multiple passports and controlled assets worth Rs 52,000 crore through a Wyoming-based company.

Responding strongly, Sarma alleged a “Pakistan link,” claiming that the material presented by Congress was sourced from a Pakistani social media network. He further said Pakistani media channels had unusually aired multiple discussions on Assam elections in recent days, allegedly favouring the Congress.

“During our research, we found that the entire material of the press conference was supplied by a Pakistani social media group,” Sarma said, adding that at least 11 talk shows in Pakistan over the past 10 days focused on the Assam polls, which he termed unprecedented.

Sarma also confirmed that his wife has filed an FIR over what he described as “fabricated and defamatory allegations.” He warned that using forged documents to influence elections could invite stringent legal action under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Dismissing the claims, Sarma said setting up shell companies abroad is relatively easy and accused opponents of manufacturing evidence. “Anyone can register a company by paying USD 199. After yesterday’s press conference, they even created another company in Riniki’s name,” he alleged.

He maintained that the documents, including passport images cited by Congress leaders, were fabricated and sourced from dubious foreign entities.

Polling in Assam is scheduled for April 9, while counting of votes will take place on May 4.