Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has filed a civil and criminal defamation suit seeking ₹500 crore against senior Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi, Bhupesh Baghel, and Jitendra Singh. The case was lodged on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, following allegations made by the leaders during a press conference on February 4, which Sarma described as “false, malicious and politically motivated.”
The Congress leaders had publicly claimed that Sarma and his family were involved in occupying large tracts of land across Assam, a charge the Chief Minister has strongly denied, calling it baseless and damaging to his reputation. The ₹500 crore sought represents the damages Sarma is claiming in civil court, while criminal defamation proceedings have also been initiated.
The Congress party has not yet issued an official response to the filing. Analysts note that this legal move comes amid rising political tensions in Assam, with both parties exchanging serious accusations in recent weeks ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
In addition to the defamation claim, Sarma has publicly cited findings from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) alleging possible violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) by Gaurav Gogoi and his British wife. He also highlighted alleged connections with a Pakistani national, accusations Gogoi has denied.
Gaurav Gogoi, meanwhile, has accused Sarma of using personal attacks and controversial videos to deflect criticism, saying such actions are inappropriate and inflammatory. The exchange of allegations underscores the intense political rivalry between the BJP-led state government and the Congress ahead of elections.
The defamation suit is considered both a legal and political strategy, signaling Sarma’s intent to protect his personal and political reputation while putting Congress leaders on the defensive. Experts note that high-value defamation cases like this are rare in India, but they have increasingly become tools for politicians to contest allegations in the public arena.
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