Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday launched a sharp counterattack against senior Congress leader Pawan Khera over allegations involving his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, terming the claims “malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies.”

Sarma said both criminal and civil defamation cases would be filed within 48 hours, asserting that Khera would be held legally accountable for what he described as reckless and baseless statements.

The controversy began after Khera alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma holds multiple foreign passports, a charge that carries serious implications under Indian law, which does not allow dual citizenship. Rejecting the allegation outright, the Chief Minister said the claims reflect “frustration and panic” within the Congress ahead of the Assembly elections.

He also expressed confidence that the judiciary would establish the truth and bring clarity to the matter.

The political confrontation has intensified further, with Khera raising questions to Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the issue, turning the controversy into a major flashpoint in the run-up to the polls.

With campaigning heating up in Assam, the episode has added another layer of tension to an already charged political atmosphere, as both sides continue to trade allegations ahead of voting.