Assam CM Accused of Corruption by Congress Spokesperson
Locales: Assam, Delhi, INDIA

Guwahati, Assam - February 7th, 2026 - A major political controversy is brewing in Assam after Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera publicly accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of being the "most corrupt Chief Minister" in the history of Independent India. The claims, made earlier today, have ignited a fierce back-and-forth between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability within the Assam government and potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
Khera, speaking at a press conference in Guwahati, detailed a series of alleged financial irregularities, citing what he termed "concrete examples" of mismanagement and questionable dealings. While specifics of these examples weren't immediately released in full, Khera stated they involved scrutiny of several ongoing and recently completed development projects undertaken by the Assam government. He called for a thorough, independent investigation into these projects and demanded full disclosure of all financial records pertaining to them. The Congressman issued a direct challenge to Sarma and his administration to publicly refute the allegations with verifiable facts and data, stating that silence or obfuscation would be considered an admission of guilt.
The timing of these accusations is particularly sensitive, coinciding with increased public and media scrutiny of Assam's rapid infrastructure development, particularly in areas related to road construction, hydroelectric power initiatives, and urban renewal projects. While proponents hail these projects as vital for economic growth and modernization, critics have long raised concerns about potential cost overruns, environmental impacts, and a lack of transparency in the tendering and awarding of contracts.
The Assam government was quick to respond, dismissing Khera's claims as "politically motivated" and "baseless." A government spokesperson called the accusations a desperate attempt by the Congress to divert attention from its own internal problems and a history of corruption scandals. Several high-ranking BJP officials have echoed this sentiment, launching counter-attacks against Khera, accusing him of spreading misinformation and engaging in character assassination. They point to the numerous corruption cases involving Congress leaders over the years, arguing that the party is hardly in a position to lecture anyone on ethical governance.
This isn't an isolated incident. Over the past two years, there have been whispers and reports circulating in local media about alleged irregularities in several government contracts. While these reports haven't yet resulted in any formal investigations or charges, they have fueled public discontent and provided ammunition for the opposition. The Congress party, which has been struggling to regain ground in Assam after years of BJP dominance, appears to be seizing on this opportunity to aggressively attack Sarma and his government.
The allegations are expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming elections - be they local, state, or national. Assam is a strategically important state, and a perception of widespread corruption could severely damage the BJP's electoral prospects. Political analysts predict a fierce battle ahead, with both parties likely to intensify their attacks and counter-attacks in the coming weeks. The Congress will likely attempt to use these corruption claims to rally anti-incumbency sentiment and portray Sarma as a symbol of corruption and misgovernance. The BJP, on the other hand, will likely focus on defending its track record of development and highlighting the alleged corruption of previous Congress administrations.
Beyond the immediate political implications, this controversy raises broader questions about the state of governance and accountability in India. The ease with which allegations of corruption are leveled, and the difficulty in obtaining transparent and credible investigations, remain a major challenge. Civil society groups are calling for stronger mechanisms to ensure accountability and prevent corruption, including independent oversight bodies, whistleblower protection laws, and greater access to information. The outcome of this particular case - and whether a credible investigation is launched - could set a precedent for future corruption allegations and significantly impact the public's trust in elected officials and government institutions.
Furthermore, this dispute highlights the increasing polarization of Indian politics, where accusations and counter-accusations have become commonplace, and substantive policy debates are often overshadowed by personal attacks and partisan maneuvering. The ability to engage in constructive dialogue and address legitimate concerns about governance is crucial for the health of India's democracy. Whether the key players in Assam can move beyond this current impasse and prioritize the interests of the state and its citizens remains to be seen.
Read the Full Deccan Herald Article at:
[ https://www.deccanherald.com/india/assam/assams-himanta-biswa-sarma-most-corrupt-cm-in-independent-indias-history-claims-pawan-khera-3813141 ]