Source HT
GUWAHATI/NEW DELHI — The political climate in India reached a boiling point this week as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition Congress engaged in a fierce “slugfest” ahead of critical assembly elections. The verbal warfare centers on two explosive controversies: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s comparison of the RSS-BJP to a “poisonous snake” and Pawan Khera’s startling allegations regarding the personal documents of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife.
Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Analogy Triggers National Row
The firestorm began during an election rally in Assam, where Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP.
Citing a religious parable, Kharge reportedly stated that if a poisonous snake appears while one is offering prayers, the priority should be to “kill the snake” rather than finish the prayer. He then directly equated the RSS and the BJP to that “poisonous snake,” suggesting they pose a lethal threat to the nation’s democratic fabric.
The Fallout:
BJP’s Reaction: Senior BJP leaders, including Ravi Shankar Prasad, condemned the remarks as “despicable” and “shameless,” accusing Kharge of insulting millions of patriotic citizens.
Regret Issued: Following the backlash, Kharge expressed regret on Wednesday, clarifying that his remarks were “deliberately misinterpreted” but acknowledging the offense they caused.
Passport Gate: Pawan Khera vs. Riniki Bhuyan Sharma
Simultaneously, the battle intensified in Assam as Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera leveled serious allegations against Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the wife of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
At a high-decibel press conference in New Delhi on April 5, Khera claimed to possess documents proving that Mrs. Sharma illegally holds three different passports (from India, the UAE, and Antigua & Barbuda). He further alleged that the CM failed to disclose significant foreign assets, including properties in Dubai, in his election affidavits.
The Legal Backlash:
Assam CM’s Defense: Himanta Biswa Sarma has categorically rejected the claims as “fabricated” and “malicious,” asserting that the documents presented by Khera are forgeries.
Police Action: In a swift response, the Assam Police reached Pawan Khera’s residence in Delhi for questioning. Riniki Bhuyan Sharma has since filed a criminal defamation case and an FIR against Khera, with the CM warning of “serious legal consequences” for using fake documents to influence elections.
A High-Stakes Election Backdrop
The timing of these controversies is no coincidence. With the Assam Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, both parties are pulling out all the stops to sway voters.
