Assembly Elections 2026: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma casts vote, launches scathing attack on Pawan Khera

Guwahati: Amidst the ongoing voting for the Assembly elections in Assam, the state's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has once again taken aim at Congress leader Pawan Khera. Himanta Biswa Sarma cast his vote alongside his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, and their daughter.

What did Himanta Biswa Sarma say about Pawan Khera?

Following this, while interacting with the media, Sarma launched a scathing attack on Pawan Khera. Himanta Biswa Sarma remarked, "What Congress party? Where is this Congress? Which party is this? I haven't even heard of it. Who is Pawan Khera? He is a fugitive. Why should I respond to him?"

It is noteworthy that on April 5, during press conferences held first in Delhi and subsequently in Guwahati, Pawan Khera had leveled serious allegations against Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife, Riniki Bhuyan. Following these allegations, the Assam Police had arrived at Khera's flat in Delhi. At that time, reports emerged indicating that Pawan Khera had left for Telangana.

Where did Himanta Biswa Sarma cast his vote?

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma cast his vote in the Kamrup district. He is contesting the election from the Jalukbari Assembly constituency in this district. The Chief Minister arrived at Polling Station No. 15 along with his wife, Riniki Bhuyan, and their daughter, where they exercised their franchise. Sarma stated that he had voted for a strong, secure, and prosperous Assam. Earlier in the day, the CM offered prayers at the Doul Govinda Temple and paid his obeisance to Goddess Kamakhya.

What was the reaction over Khera's allegations?

Earlier, on the morning of April 9, Himanta Biswa Sarma had posted a photograph of a blooming lotus on social media. Accompanying the image, he wrote: "Good Morning. Have a wonderful day ahead." Assam comprises 126 Assembly seats. If the BJP-led NDA secures a victory, Himanta will become the state's Chief Minister for the third time. 

During the election campaign, Sarma had appeared in a distinctly different avatar; however, after Rahul Gandhi labeled him the "most corrupt Chief Minister in the country," Pawan Khera—the Congress party's media wing in-charge—held a sensational press conference in which he leveled serious allegations against Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.

Khera had alleged that Rinki Bhuyan holds passports from three countries, two of which are Muslim nations. This statement subsequently sparked a heated controversy. Following this, Rinki Bhuyan Sarma filed a complaint against Pawan Khera. The Assam Police are currently searching for Pawan Khera in connection with this very case.