Passport – Assam CM Rejects Allegations Over Wife’s Documents Row
Passport – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday dismissed allegations regarding multiple passports linked to his wife, stating that preliminary verification has found the Dubai passport cited by Congress leader Pawan Khera to be fake. He added that both international and Indian authorities have confirmed this finding, while further checks on other documents are still underway.
Verification Findings and Ongoing Inquiry
Addressing reporters, Sarma said that the Assam Police have already begun an inquiry into the matter. According to him, verification through an official Dubai government portal indicated that the passport in question was not genuine. This conclusion, he said, has also been reconfirmed by Indian authorities.
He further noted that reports regarding two other passports mentioned in the allegations are expected shortly. Officials from the respective countries are likely to provide clarity within the next couple of days. Sarma maintained that the investigation would continue until all claims are thoroughly examined.
Questions Raised Over Document Details
The Chief Minister also pointed out inconsistencies in the documents circulated by his political opponents. He said that one of the passports allegedly carried his wife’s photograph, but insisted that the image did not belong to her. He also highlighted errors in basic details, including the mention of “India” as a place of birth, which he described as incorrect for official records.
Sarma argued that such discrepancies raise doubts about the credibility of the claims being made. He suggested that the documents appear to contain multiple inaccuracies, including spelling mistakes and improper formatting, which further weaken the allegations.
Political Reactions Intensify
The issue has sparked sharp exchanges between the ruling party and the opposition. Sarma criticised Congress leaders for raising what he described as baseless accusations, stating that legal action would be pursued if necessary. He also indicated that his wife plans to approach the court to address the matter formally.
At the same time, the Chief Minister took aim at senior Congress figures, accusing them of spreading misinformation. He warned that those responsible could face legal consequences if the allegations are proven to be fabricated.
Congress Raises Concerns Over Citizenship Rules
The controversy began after Congress leader Pawan Khera claimed that documents suggested Sarma’s wife held multiple passports issued by different countries. He questioned whether such a situation would violate Indian laws related to citizenship and passport ownership.
Khera also raised broader concerns about dual citizenship, which is not permitted under Indian law. He sought clarification on how multiple passports could exist simultaneously and whether proper legal procedures had been followed.
Adding to the criticism, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi called for a detailed investigation into the Chief Minister’s family assets and documentation. He stated that the matter required transparency and accountability, urging authorities to examine all aspects of the allegations.
CM Dismisses Financial Claims as Unrealistic
Apart from the passport issue, Sarma also responded to claims regarding companies allegedly linked to his son. He rejected the figures cited by the opposition, describing them as unrealistic and lacking basic logic.
According to Sarma, the financial estimates mentioned by critics far exceed the state’s annual budget, making the claims implausible. He reiterated that all allegations would be addressed through proper channels and that the truth would emerge once investigations are complete.
Awaiting Further Clarity
As the political debate continues, the focus remains on the outcome of the ongoing inquiry. Authorities are expected to release additional findings soon, which could either substantiate or dismiss the remaining claims.
For now, both sides remain firm in their positions, with the ruling leadership denying wrongdoing and the opposition demanding a deeper probe. The coming days are likely to bring more clarity as official reports are made public.