The political face-off between the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party intensified on April 13, with both sides engaging in a sharp exchange over allegations involving Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The situation escalated after senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi directly targeted the Chief Minister, accusing him of corruption and misuse of state machinery. Backing party colleague Pawan Khera, Gandhi asserted that the Congress would not yield to pressure and called for a comprehensive probe into the allegations.
Allegations Trigger Political Flashpoint
The controversy originated from claims made earlier this month by Pawan Khera, who alleged irregularities involving the Chief Minister’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma. According to him, there were discrepancies related to multiple passports and alleged foreign assets that were not disclosed in official election affidavits submitted ahead of the recent Assam Assembly elections.
These allegations quickly escalated into a major political flashpoint, drawing strong reactions from both camps.
BJP Hits Back, Calls It ‘Smear Campaign’
Responding forcefully, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla dismissed the allegations as “manufactured” and politically motivated. In a sharp rebuttal, he accused Congress leaders of attempting to tarnish the Chief Minister’s image using manipulated and misleading documents.
Poonawalla claimed that the documents being circulated as “passports” were actually misrepresented visa copies that had been digitally altered. He further alleged that Rahul Gandhi was leading a deliberate campaign to defame both the Chief Minister and his family.
Political War of Words Intensifies
The BJP further escalated its counterattack, accusing Gandhi of pursuing a “vendetta-driven” approach against Assam’s leadership. Poonawalla also shifted focus by urging the Congress leader to respond to allegations concerning Assam Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi.
BJP leaders described the controversy as a calculated attempt to damage Sarma’s reputation, framing it as part of a broader political strategy to destabilise the state government.
Rahul Gandhi Stands Firm
Despite the pushback, Rahul Gandhi maintained his position, reiterating that the allegations warranted scrutiny. He stressed that those in power must be held accountable and asserted that no individual is above the law.
He also accused the Assam government of misusing official machinery to target opposition leaders, reaffirming the Congress party’s support for Pawan Khera in the matter.
Legal Battle Adds New Layer
The political confrontation is unfolding alongside legal proceedings involving Pawan Khera. The Congress leader recently secured transit anticipatory bail from the Telangana High Court after Assam Police initiated action to question him in connection with the case.
The legal developments have further intensified the situation, turning the controversy into both a political and judicial battle.
