Himanta Biswa Sarma vs Congress: Fake Passport Row Explodes Ahead of Assam 2026 Polls

writer by finbuzzindia 06.04.2026 Time 10.00 Pm Published

Himanta Biswa Sarma vs Congress: Passport Forgery Claims Ignite Fierce Battle in Assam Ahead of 2026 Elections

A High-Stakes Political Firestorm Just Days Before Polling

In a dramatic escalation just before Assam goes to the polls, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a blistering counter-offensive against Congress allegations that his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, holds multiple foreign passports and undisclosed overseas assets. Sarma has dismissed the claims as “completely false, fabricated, and politically motivated,” accusing the opposition of relying on doctored documents sourced from a Pakistani social media network.

Both the Chief Minister and his wife have now filed an FIR against Congress leader Pawan Khera, vowing criminal and civil defamation suits. The row has transformed into a full-blown political and legal showdown, highlighting the growing weaponization of digital disinformation in Indian elections.

Key Highlights

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma labels all documents “fake” and cites official confirmation from UAE authorities
Passports allegedly from UAE, Egypt, and Antigua & Barbuda shown to be forged, with glaring anomalies including wrong spelling of surname (“SARMA” instead of “SHARMA”), mismatched photos, and inconsistent details
Sarma accuses Congress of collaborating with a “Pakistani social media group” using AI photoshop
Riniki Bhuyan Sarma files FIR against Pawan Khera; police inquiry underway
Controversy erupts days before Assam Assembly elections 2026, raising questions about desperation tactics and voter trust

What Sparked the Controversy?

The storm began on April 5, 2026, when Congress leader Pawan Khera held a press conference in Delhi claiming to possess documents showing Riniki Bhuyan Sarma holds three active foreign passports: a UAE Golden Card (valid until 2027), an Antigua & Barbuda passport (valid until 2031), and an Egyptian passport (valid until 2029). He also alleged undisclosed properties in Dubai and a U.S.-based company in Wyoming not mentioned in the CM’s election affidavits.

Khera framed the issue as a matter of transparency and possible violation of Indian laws on dual citizenship and asset disclosure, questioning how the family could hold passports from “two Muslim countries” while the CM’s politics often touch on communal themes.

Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Explosive Rebuttal

Speaking to the media and on social platforms, Sarma dismantled the allegations point by point. He revealed that verification through official channels confirmed the documents as fraudulent. The UAE authorities and Indian diplomatic sources reconfirmed that the so-called UAE passport/ID is fake the photograph belongs to someone else (reportedly linked to a lost Egyptian passport), and multiple inconsistencies exist in dates, nationality references, and formatting.

Sarma went further, alleging the entire campaign was manufactured with help from a Pakistani social media group that first uploaded the doctored UAE document. He described it as a “deeply frustrating and panic-driven” attempt by a sinking Congress to mislead voters in Assam.

In a sharp personal remark, Sarma noted the attack had become deeply personal but insisted he remains unfazed. “Truth will prevail. Those spreading misinformation will be held accountable,” he posted, signaling zero tolerance for what he calls electoral forgery.

Riniki Bhuyan Sarma herself called the claims “laughable,” directly challenging Congress leaders and emphasizing that she and her husband are letting the law take its course.

Verified Facts vs Allegations

No authentic official documents have been independently verified by neutral authorities as belonging to Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.
Government and diplomatic sources have confirmed at least the UAE-linked document as fake.
Assam Police have initiated an inquiry following the FIR.
Congress has not withdrawn its claims or produced original, verifiable passports.
Anomalies highlighted by the CM include surname mismatches, incorrect birth years, and use of publicly available or morphed photographs.

At this stage, the evidence strongly tilts toward the documents being fabricated, though the full police investigation will provide final clarity.

Allegations of Political Conspiracy and the Digital Angle

Sarma has framed this not merely as a personal attack but as part of a larger “foreign-influenced misinformation campaign” designed to create confusion just days before voting. The alleged involvement of a Pakistani social media network and AI-assisted forgery adds a chilling new layer to Indian electoral politics one where deepfakes and cross-border digital actors could influence narratives.

This case underscores a unique and troubling trend: the rise of sophisticated digital smear campaigns that exploit social media’s speed while bypassing traditional verification. In an era of instant virality, such tactics test the resilience of democratic discourse and public trust.

The 2026 Assam Election Context

Assam’s political landscape has long been defined by strong regional identity, development narratives, and occasional communal undertones. With the BJP-led government under Sarma seeking a fresh mandate on its governance record, the Congress appears to be betting on personal integrity questions to dent the CM’s image.

Yet analysts note that unproven, high-profile personal attacks often backfire, consolidating support for the targeted leader. The timing mere days before polling makes this a high-risk gamble. If the FIR and investigation confirm forgery, it could severely damage Congress credibility and reinforce narratives of opposition desperation.

As someone tracking Indian politics closely, this episode exemplifies now applies to political communication itself. Leaders who respond with facts, official verifications, and swift legal recourse demonstrate transparency. Conversely, allegations without verifiable primary evidence risk eroding the accuser’s authority. In Assam 2026, public perception of “evidence vs drama” could sway undecided voters more than any manifesto.

What Happens Next?

Full police investigation and potential charges under IPC sections for forgery, criminal conspiracy, and defamation.
Civil defamation suits that could run into crores.
Heightened scrutiny on election affidavits and asset disclosures nationwide.
Possible central agency involvement if foreign links are substantiated.
Voter sentiment in Assam — will this strengthen Sarma’s image as a victim of “fake news warfare” or fuel anti-incumbency?

The coming 48–72 hours will be decisive. Legal proceedings, media scrutiny, and ground-level campaigning will determine whether this remains a political sideshow or becomes a defining moment of the 2026 polls.

FAQs

1. What exactly did Congress allege? 

Pawan Khera claimed Riniki Bhuyan Sarma holds three foreign passports (UAE, Egypt, Antigua & Barbuda) and undisclosed overseas assets.

2. What is Himanta Biswa Sarma’s response? 

He called the documents fake, cited UAE government and Indian confirmation of forgery, and accused Congress of using Pakistani-sourced AI-manipulated material.

3. Has legal action been taken? 

Yes — both the CM and his wife have filed an FIR against Pawan Khera; defamation suits are imminent.

4. Are the passports real? 

Official verifications so far confirm at least the UAE document as forged; full police probe is ongoing. No authentic originals have surfaced.

5. Why is this critical before the 2026 Assam elections? 

It has turned personal integrity into the central talking point just before voting, testing how voters respond to high-voltage digital controversies.

Conclusion

The Himanta vs Congress passport row has rapidly evolved from a press conference allegation into a full legal and political confrontation. With official confirmations of forgery already emerging and an FIR filed, the burden of proof now lies heavily on the Congress camp.

In the larger picture, this controversy reveals the ugly underbelly of digital-age politics in India — where personal attacks, AI manipulation, and alleged foreign interference are increasingly normalized. For Assam’s voters, the real question is simple: Do they reward governance and resilience, or fall for unverified claims? The answer will shape not just the 2026 verdict but the future tone of electoral battles across the country.

Sources of Reference

1. Times of India — Detailed coverage on Himanta alleging Pakistani social media group, FIR filed, documents called “false and fabricated”

2. The Hindu — Reports on Congress allegations, Sarma’s rebuttal, and the Pakistani angle. 

3. Hindustan Times — Covers Congress claims of passports + undisclosed Dubai assets, CM’s legal threat, and counter-allegations. 