Apart from my salary, I don’t own anything: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on October 10 clarified his financial standing, stating that he does not own any property beyond his official salary.

This came on the sidelines when a journalist asked the Chief Minister about allegations from opposition parties regarding his family’s property. 

Speaking to reporters, Sarma said, “I don’t have property at all. My wife works for her wellbeing — she does not steal or take anything unlawfully. If someone is earning honestly, then what is the issue? Apart from my salary, I do not have anything.”

Sarma’s remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of politicians’ assets and personal finances. By highlighting his modest means, the Chief Minister sought to reinforce his image as a public servant leading a transparent and honest life.

The statement also underlined the Chief Minister’s emphasis on integrity and lawful earnings, reflecting his continued focus on accountability in public life.

Earlier on October 8, entrepreneur and wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, has filed a criminal defamation case against Raijor Dal chief and Sibsagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, along with several others, over allegations of making false and derogatory statements against her and her company, Golden Threads of Assam.

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The case, filed under CR Case No. 502/25 at the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court, Guwahati, follows remarks made by Gogoi during a protest on September 30, 2025, where he demanded an inquiry into the mysterious death of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore. Gogoi had allegedly accused Sharma and her company of organising an event at the North East Festival in Singapore.

Sharma’s counsel, Advocate Kishor Dutta, clarified that the accusations were baseless and defamatory.
“During the protest, Mr Gogoi made completely false and derogatory statements against my client. Golden Threads of Assam had no connection whatsoever with the North East Festival in Singapore. My client did not participate in or organise the event,” Dutta stated.

The defamation complaint also names Taufiquddin Ahmad, Director of Pratibimba Live, while Sharma has instructed her legal team to initiate further proceedings against AJP leader Lurin Jyoti Gogoi and others accused of circulating misinformation on social media. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for October 30, 2025.

Meanwhile, in a statement posted on her official Facebook account, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma expressed disappointment over what she termed as “political mudslinging.”