Congress Urges Election Commission to Disqualify Assam CM Over Undisclosed Assets

Original: Congress petitions Election Commission to cancel Assam CM’s candidature over ‘undisclosed assets’

The Hindu•Apr 6, 20262 min

In a Nutshell

The Assam Congress has petitioned the Election Commission of India to disqualify Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from the upcoming Assembly elections, alleging he failed to disclose his wife's offshore assets. This claim comes ahead of the April 9 elections in Assam, where Sarma is seeking re-election from the Jalukbari constituency.

Key Points

01Assam Congress filed a petition against CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for alleged non-disclosure of assets.
02The petition claims Sarma's wife holds offshore assets not mentioned in his election affidavit.
03The memorandum was submitted by Congress rival Bidisha Neog.
04Sarma is contesting for a sixth consecutive term in the Jalukbari constituency.
05Polling for Assam's 126 Assembly seats is set for April 9, with results on May 4.

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Full Summary

On April 2, 2026, the Assam Congress filed a petition with the Election Commission of India, seeking to disqualify Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from the April 9 Assembly elections. The petition alleges that Sarma failed to disclose his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma's offshore assets in his election affidavit, which violates the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The memorandum, signed by Congress candidate Bidisha Neog, claims that Sarma deliberately omitted significant assets located outside India. A Congress delegation led by former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel submitted the complaint to the Chief Electoral Officer in Guwahati. Sarma, who is seeking his sixth consecutive term from the Jalukbari constituency, has dismissed the allegations as fabricated. The elections for 126 Assembly seats in Assam will take place on April 9, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

Key Figures

126

Total Assembly seats in Assam

April 9, 2026

Date of the Assembly elections

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Why It Matters

If the Election Commission disqualifies Sarma, it could significantly alter the political landscape in Assam, potentially benefiting the Congress party.

Who is affected

Voters in Assam, particularly those in the Jalukbari constituency.

What to know

Voters should stay informed about the developments regarding Sarma's candidacy and the Election Commission's decision.

FAQ

He is accused of failing to disclose his wife's offshore assets in his election affidavit.

Polling will take place on April 9, 2026.

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