Himanta Biswa Sarma reacts
NEW DELHI: The Opposition Congress on Sunday alleged that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Rinki Bhuiyan Sarma, holds three passports, including two from Muslim countries.
Addressing a press conference, Congress Media and Publicity Department Chairman Pawan Khera claimed that the Assam CM’s wife possesses passports from UAE, Antigua-Barbuda and Arab Republic of Egypt.
According to Khera, the UAE passport was issued on March 14, 2022, and is set to expire on March 13, 2027. He further said that Rinki Bhuiyan was issued an Antigua-Barbuda passport on August 26, 2021, with an expiry date of August 25, 2031.
Similarly, Khera stated that her Egyptian passport is also active, having been issued on February 13, 2022, and valid until February 12, 2029.
The Congress leader questioned how Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife could hold passports from two Muslim countries when, according to him, the Assam CM’s entire politics is allegedly based on hatred against Muslims.
“Himanta Biswa Sarma’s entire politics is “based on hatred against Muslims” but his wife holds passports from two Muslim countries—how?” he asked.
Noting that dual citizenship is not permitted under Indian law, the Congress leader further sought clarification on whether she also holds an Indian passport.
“According to Indian law, you cannot hold dual citizenship, so does Rinki Bhuiyan Sarma also hold an Indian passport?” Khera asked.
Implying that Himanta Biswa Sarma is the “adopted son” of Home Minister Amit Shah, Khera also questioned whether the latter was aware of the matter.
“Home Minister Amit Shah, respond—will he set up an SIT to investigate this matter?” the Congress leader asked.
CM Sarma categorically rejected the Congress allegation as “malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies” and said he threatened to file criminal and civil defamation cases.
“I categorically reject every allegation made by him. These are malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies aimed at misleading the people of Assam,” CM Sarma said on X.
The Assam CM further stated that he will file defamation cases against Pawan Khera within 48 hours for his “reckless and defamatory statements.”
“My wife and I will be filing both criminal and civil defamation cases within the next 48 hours against Shri Pawan Khera. He will be held fully accountable for his reckless and defamatory statements,” he added.
Agencies