Guwahati: Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday levelled a series of allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, raising questions over alleged foreign assets and citizenship status.
Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters, Khera claimed that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma holds passports from three countries — Egypt, the UAE and Antigua & Barbuda, and sought clarification on whether this amounted to dual or multiple citizenship, which is not permitted under Indian law.
“How can a citizen of India hold passports from three different countries? The government must clarify this immediately,” he said.
Khera also alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma owns properties in Dubai that were not disclosed in the Chief Minister’s election affidavit. He claimed that one property is linked to the M Group, while another is registered in her name, and questioned why these assets were not declared during the nomination process.
Further, he referred to a company named Asset Collective LLC, reportedly registered in Wyoming in the United States, in which he alleged that Sarma and his son are partners. According to Khera, the company has a reported budget of 3,467 crore US dollars and plans to invest in hotel projects. He raised concerns over the choice of Wyoming as the registration location, citing its tax advantages, and called for greater transparency.
Describing the matter as one of serious ethical and legal concern, Khera urged the Election Commission to take cognisance of the allegations and conduct a thorough investigation.
“The people of Assam deserve clarity. Questions regarding foreign passports and undisclosed assets must be addressed,” he said.