Himanta Sarma accuses Congress of ‘Pakistan-linked’ campaign amid Assam passport row

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has intensified his attack on the Congress, alleging that the opposition used “Pakistan-linked” material to target him in an ongoing political controversy over passport-related claims.

The remarks come amid a sharp political exchange between the ruling BJP and the Congress ahead of the Assam Assembly elections scheduled for April 9.

Sarma alleged that documents and information presented by Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi, were sourced from a Pakistani social media group. He claimed that the material used in press conferences was not authentic and had foreign links.

The controversy began after Congress leaders raised allegations regarding multiple passports and foreign assets linked to Sarma’s family. The BJP leader has strongly denied these claims, calling them “false, fabricated and politically motivated.”

Responding to the allegations, Sarma said that both he and his wife have taken legal action, including filing complaints against Congress leaders over what they described as defamatory statements.

He further claimed that the documents circulated by the Congress were manipulated using digital tools, and asserted that the entire episode was part of a coordinated smear campaign ahead of elections.

On the other hand, Congress leaders have continued to question the Chief Minister over the allegations, demanding clarifications regarding the claims of foreign passports and overseas assets.

The exchange has intensified political rhetoric in Assam, with both sides levelling serious accusations against each other in the run-up to polling. The issue has also taken a personal turn, with family members of political leaders being drawn into the controversy.