NewsPolitics – Congress Seeks Probe Into Assam CM’s Undisclosed Assets

Allegations of Undisclosed Foreign Properties

According to the Congress submission, Sarma’s election affidavit does not mention any foreign or offshore assets, despite legal requirements mandating full disclosure. The party has cited documents it claims indicate that Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, is associated with two high-value properties located in Dubai’s Al Barsha South Fourth area.

Bidisha Neog, Sarma’s electoral rival from Jalukbari, formally wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar seeking an inquiry into what she described as “deliberate concealment.” She argued that failure to declare such assets violates statutory norms and could render the nomination invalid under existing election laws.

Demand for Legal Action and Investigation

In her complaint, Neog called for immediate scrutiny of the alleged omissions. She requested that Sarma’s candidature be rejected under Section 36 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Additionally, she sought proceedings under Section 125A, which deals with false declarations in election affidavits.

Parallelly, the Congress has also approached the Enforcement Directorate, asking it to examine possible violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The party has alleged that undisclosed assets may have been routed through foreign entities, including companies registered in the United States.

Political Leaders Raise Further Questions

Congress leaders have intensified their criticism by raising broader concerns about the chief minister’s family’s financial interests abroad. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera claimed that Sarma’s wife holds multiple foreign passports and has business connections outside India.

Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi publicly challenged the chief minister to deny the allegations under oath. Speaking at a rally, Gogoi questioned whether Sarma had fully disclosed all financial interests, including any foreign properties or business ventures linked to his family. He suggested that transparency would help clarify the situation and restore public confidence.

Sarma Rejects Charges as Baseless

Responding to the allegations, Sarma dismissed them as politically motivated and aimed at influencing voters during the election period. He stated that the accusations were built on misleading information and warned that attempts to manipulate public opinion using false claims could attract legal consequences.

The chief minister further alleged that the documents cited by Congress were sourced from an unreliable social media group and included manipulated content. He claimed that his wife’s identity had been misused in connection with a lost passport belonging to another individual.

Legal Countersteps and Ongoing Dispute

Sarma also confirmed that his wife has filed a police complaint against Pawan Khera over the statements made against her. This legal move signals a potential escalation of the dispute beyond political rhetoric into formal legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders have maintained that the matter warrants a thorough and independent investigation. Gogoi stated that if the party comes to power in Assam, it would pursue inquiries into any alleged illegal assets or business operations linked to Sarma.

Broader Implications for Electoral Transparency

The controversy highlights the growing focus on financial transparency in electoral politics. Election affidavits are a key mechanism to ensure accountability, and any discrepancies can carry significant legal and political consequences.

As the Election Commission reviews the complaint, the issue is likely to remain a central talking point in the ongoing political campaign, with both sides firmly defending their positions.