Elections to the 126 seats of the Assam legislative assembly are scheduled to be held on April 9. However, just days ahead of the high-stakes poll, the Congress on Sunday alleged that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, holds three foreign passports.
While addressing a press conference, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also claimed that Riniki owns undisclosed properties and assets in the US and UAE.
Pawan Khera's allegations
The row triggered after Congress leader Pawan Khera sought an investigation into the chief ministers' properties and financial links abroad. He claimed that his wife's assets in the United States and Dubai are not mentioned in the official affidavit. Khera further alleged that the budget of a company owned by Riniki is USD 3,467 crore, adding that she is planning to open a hotel in America
Assam CM fires back at Congress
Though the Assam CM and his wife dismissed the allegations, calling them false and "politically motivated," and that they would file defamation cases against Khera, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma has taken center stage in discussions regarding the state's politics. The 52-year-old has so far maintained a non-political public image and is widely recognised as an entrepreneur.
Who is Riniki Bhuyan Sarma?
Congress's latest allegations have overshadowed all other concerns, thrusting Riniki into the national headlines. According to reports, she is the Managing Director of 'Pride East Entertainments, one of the leading media houses in Assam.
Born on July 31, 1973, in Guwahati, Riniki is the daughter of the late Jadhav Chandra Bhuyan, who was a renowned industrialist in Assam. As the eldest among her five siblings, she completed her schooling from St. Mary's School in Guwahati and later pursued a bachelor's and master's program at Cotton College. She is a former national-level tennis player who represented Assam in national championships.
How did Riniki meet Himanta Biswa Sarma?
Riniki first met Himanta Biswa Sarma during her college days in Guwahati. At that time, Himanta was the General Secretary of the Cotton College Students' Union. In multiple interviews, Riniki has opened up about her love story, revealing that both initially confessed their love for one another in 1992.
In 1994, Riniki reportedly was selected for the Miss India pageant, following which she was called to Mumbai, but Himanta was not pleased with this news. In the interview, she said that he explained that such competitions are not good at that time. After spending time understanding each other for 10 years, both finally tied the knot in 2001 and have two children now.
Land holdings, including a media house and tea gardens
Pride East Entertainments Private Limited is the firm led by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, its Chairperson and Managing Director. Under the aegis of the company, she operates multiple TV channels, including 'News Live', 'North East Live', 'Rang', 'Ramdhenu', and 'Indradhanu,' the BBC reported. Additionally, she also manages 'Niyomiya Barta', an Assamese daily newspaper.
In the election affidavit submitted by CM Himanta for the 2026 Assam assembly polls, neither any land nor a vehicle is registered under his name. However, over 22,000 square feet of land in Guwahati is listed under his wife's name. Furthermore, the affidavit mentions 'Eka Estates LLP' in connection with Riniki.