Rahul Gandhi attacks Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma over corruption allegations as legal battle intensifies in Pawan Khera bail case. Supreme Court hearing looms amid escalating Congress vs BJP political confrontation.
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday escalated his attack on Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of corruption and misuse of state machinery, even as the legal tussle surrounding Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera gathered momentum.
In a strongly worded post on X, Gandhi described the Assam Chief Minister as “the most corrupt in the country” and asserted that he “will not escape the law.” The Congress leader further alleged that the state government was weaponizing institutions to target political opponents, calling such actions a violation of constitutional principles.
“The questions being raised must be investigated. Transparency, accountability, and the rule of law are fundamental to our Constitutional values,” Gandhi stated. He reiterated that the Congress party stands firmly behind Khera and “will not be intimidated” by what he termed as political pressure tactics.
The controversy has intensified following the Assam government’s move to challenge the anticipatory bail granted to Khera. The legal relief was provided by the Telangana High Court on April 10, allowing Khera protection from arrest in connection with allegations he made against the Chief Minister’s family.
The case stems from claims made by Khera regarding alleged links between the Chief Minister’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, and a US-based firm in Wyoming. Khera also alleged large-scale financial irregularities involving substantial funds and multiple passports tied to the family. These accusations have been categorically denied by Sarma, who has dismissed them as baseless and politically motivated.
While granting transit anticipatory bail, the Telangana High Court observed that Khera’s apprehension of arrest appeared reasonable. However, the court imposed several conditions, including mandatory cooperation with investigators, restrictions on foreign travel without prior approval, and a directive to refrain from making public statements that could influence the ongoing probe.
In response, the Assam government has approached the Supreme Court of India seeking cancellation of the relief granted to Khera. The matter is expected to be heard later this week, setting the stage for a significant legal showdown.
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The escalating political and legal confrontation has triggered a broader war of words between the Congress and the BJP, with both sides trading sharp accusations. The developments come at a politically sensitive time, adding to the intensity of the ongoing rivalry between the opposition and the Assam government.
As the case moves to the apex court, it is likely to have wider political implications, potentially influencing public discourse and shaping narratives around governance, accountability, and the use of state power.
