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

The Assam Congress petitioned the Election Commission of India on Monday (April 2, 2026), demanding the cancellation of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s candidature for the April 9 Assembly election for allegedly failing to disclose his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma’s alleged offshore assets in his affidavit.

Mr. Sarma is seeking his sixth straight term from the Jalukbari constituency. The memorandum against him was signed by Bidisha Neog, his Congress rival.

Ms. Neog said the “deliberate, wilful and corrupt non-disclosure and suppression of assets and liabilities, including assets situated outside India,” by the Chief Minister, violated the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The memorandum alleged that the Chief Minister’s spouse holds assets outside India, which were completely omitted from his affidavit.

A Congress delegation, led by former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, submitted the complaint to the Assam Chief Electoral Officer in Guwahati.

The memorandum came a day after Congress sought to know from the Chief Minister whether his wife or family owns property in Dubai, has companies in Wyoming, U.S.A., or has placed their assets in shell companies. Mr. Sarma said the charges were fabricated.

Polling for 126 Assembly seats in Assam is scheduled for April 9. Votes will be counted on May 4.