'Superlative quality of life': 'Himanta Biswa Sarma flaunts 'New Assam' with Rs 7 lakh crore economy

GUWAHATI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma showcased the state’s development push and rising economic profile as a political storm intensified Tuesday, with Assam Police searching Congress leader Pawan Khera ’s Delhi residence in a case linked to allegations against the CM’s wife.

Sharing videoof the newly developed Sati Radhika Shaanti Udyan riverfront park in Guwahati on X, Sarma highlighted what he called Assam’s improving “quality of life”. The Rs 327-crore project, inaugurated by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, features walkways, cycling tracks and open spaces along the Brahmaputra river.

“What’s superlative quality of life? Well, people of Assam can answer you better,” Sarma wrote, adding that the state was no longer “dependent” but contributing to the national economy.

He said Assam’s economy had crossed Rs 7 lakh crore and projected it would touch Rs 10 lakh crore by 2028, calling it a “turnaround never imagined” and branding it a “new Assam”.



Police search, Khera missingHours later, an Assam Police team reached Khera’s residence in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area but did not find him. Officials said the Congress leader had “fled to Hyderabad”, a claim made by the CM citing media reports.

“We will trace him wherever he is,” a senior officer said, adding that electronic devices were seized during the search. Police also said some “incriminating material” had been recovered, though details were not disclosed.

The action follows an FIR registered in Guwahati after Khera and Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi alleged that Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, held multiple foreign passports and owned overseas assets, including properties in Dubai and links to US-based entities.

Sarma dismissed the allegations as “AI-generated fake documents” and accused Khera of making baseless claims. “He had dared Assam Police to arrest him… now he has run away. The law will take its own course,” the CM said.

BJP backs action, Congress cries ‘witch hunt’
The police action triggered a sharp political exchange between BJP and Congress.

The BJP said those making “fake allegations” about the citizenship of a chief minister’s spouse must face consequences. Congress, however, termed the move a “witch hunt”, accusing the CM of using state machinery to silence opposition voices.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the deployment of a “full army of police officials” showed the CM was “rattled” by questions raised in public interest. He alleged the action was meant to “muzzle” the opposition.

Meanwhile, Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi demanded a CBI probe into the allegations, accusing the CM of deflecting questions instead of responding directly.

Poll heat buildsThe developments come on the eve of polling in Assam, with the Election Commission of India announcing the start of the 48-hour silence period under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act.

Campaigning, rallies, and political messaging across media platforms have been barred during this period, with authorities directed to ensure strict compliance.

Polling in Assam will be held in a single phase on April 9, with results scheduled to be announced later.

Development vs controversyThe juxtaposition of Sarma’s development narrative, centred on infrastructure, investment and economic growth with the escalating political and legal battle underscores the high-stakes atmosphere ahead of the polls.

While the government projects a “new Assam” marked by improved infrastructure and a growing economy, the opposition continues to press corruption and transparency questions, setting the stage for a heated electoral contest.