New Delhi, April 13 (IANS) Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging corruption and misuse of state machinery, even as the legal battle over Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera intensified.

In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that the Assam Chief Minister was “the most corrupt in the country” and asserted that he “will not escape the law.” He further accused the state government of abusing power to harass political opponents and critics, calling such actions “against the Constitution.”

“The questions that are being raised have to be probed. Transparency, accountability of power and rule of law are the basis of our Constitutional values,” Gandhi said, adding that the Congress party stands firmly with Khera and “will not be intimidated.”

The remarks come amid escalating tensions following the Assam government’s move to challenge the anticipatory bail granted to Khera.

The state government has approached the Supreme Court against the relief granted by the Telangana High Court in connection with a case linked to allegations made by the Congress leader against the Chief Minister’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.

Khera had earlier alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma was linked to a US-based firm in Wyoming and claimed large-scale financial irregularities involving the Chief Minister and his family.

The allegations include claims about substantial funds and multiple passports, which have been strongly denied by the Assam Chief Minister.

The Telangana High Court, while granting transit anticipatory bail to Khera on April 10, observed that his apprehension of arrest appeared reasonable. However, the court imposed conditions, including cooperation with the investigation, restriction on foreign travel without permission, and restraint from making statements that could prejudice the probe.

Following this, the Assam government moved the apex court seeking cancellation of the relief, with the matter likely to be taken up for hearing later this week.

The political slugfest has further intensified ahead of key political developments, with both the Congress and the BJP trading sharp accusations, signalling a deepening confrontation between the opposition and the Assam government.

–IANS

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