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Rahul Gandhi Backs Pawan Khera in Assam Row

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
  • Apr 13, 2026
  • 63

Indian National Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on April 13 asserted that the party stands firmly with senior Congress leader Pawan Khera amid the controversy surrounding allegations against Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.

In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi described Sarma as the “most corrupt” Chief Minister in the country and called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations raised by the Congress.

“The present CM of Assam is the most corrupt in the country. He will not escape the law. His abuse of state power to harass political opponents and critics is against the Constitution. The questions being raised must be probed. Transparency, accountability, and the rule of law are the basis of our constitutional values. The Congress Party stands with Pawan Khera. We will not be intimidated,” Gandhi wrote.

Legal Developments

The remarks come amid ongoing legal proceedings involving Khera. The Assam Police has approached the Supreme Court of India, challenging the Telangana High Court decision to grant him transit anticipatory bail for one week from April 10, subject to certain conditions. As per the order, Khera has been directed to approach the competent jurisdictional court in Assam for further relief in accordance with the law.

Nature of the Allegations

Khera, who serves as the Chairperson of the Congress’ Media and Publicity Department, alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma possessed three passports and that she, along with the Chief Minister and their son, owned a United States-based business valued at approximately ₹52,000 crore. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has categorically denied these allegations.

Following the claims, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against Khera, after which the Assam Police conducted searches at his residence as part of the investigation.

Congress Reacts

Earlier, on April 10, Gaurav Gogoi, president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, also criticised the Chief Minister, alleging that Sarma was in a “panic mode” and acting out of desperation.

Speaking to ANI, Gogoi stated that merely exercising investigative power does not alter the truth and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability.

Escalating Political Tensions

The controversy has intensified political tensions between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Indian National Congress in Assam. Both sides continue to exchange sharp allegations while the matter remains under legal scrutiny, making it a significant political flashpoint in the state.