GUWAHATI – The political climate in Assam has reached a fever pitch just days before the state goes to polls on April 9, 2026. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has intensified his attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, challenging him to deny allegations of undisclosed foreign assets by taking a public oath on the Bhagavad Gita.
The Allegations: Assets and Passports
The controversy escalated following claims made by Congress Media and Publicity chief Pawan Khera, who alleged significant financial irregularities involving the Chief Minister’s family:
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Global Business Interests: Claims that Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, and family hold business interests worth ₹52,000 crore in the United States.
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Passport Controversy: Allegations that Mrs. Sharma possesses three passports and a Dubai Golden Visa.
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Undisclosed Property: Accusations of luxury holdings in Dubai and other foreign jurisdictions not declared in election affidavits.
The ‘Oath’ Face-Off
Responding to Sarma’s earlier dismissals, Gaurav Gogoi challenged the Chief Minister to a spiritual and moral showdown. “I can say under an oath on the Bhagavad Gita that I don’t have any property in London as alleged by Sarma. Can he do that?” Gogoi asked during a rally in Raha.
Gogoi further noted that if these assets exist but were omitted from official filings, it could lead to the cancellation of Sarma’s candidature.
Political Stakes
With the first phase of voting scheduled for April 9 and results expected on May 4, the Congress party has vowed to launch a formal investigation into these “illegal properties and networks” should they return to power in the state.
Chief Minister Sarma, seeking a second term, has dismissed the claims as desperate pre-election rhetoric, continuing his counter-offensive against the Congress leadership as the campaign enters its final hours.
