'Will Retire From Public Life If...': Assam CM Himanta On Row Over 'Central Subsidy' To Wife's Firm

Himanta Biswa Sarma said that he will retire from public life if it is proven that his wife's firm received a central subsidy.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Source : PTI

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday that he will retire from public life if it is proven that his wife's firm received a central subsidy. This comes after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Assam unit on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, and other family members, for allegedly getting a government subsidy.

TMC Assam unit Chief Ripun Bora accused Chief Minister Sarma of misusing his official power in favouring Pride East Entertainment Private Limited, a company owned by the latter’s wife, in getting Rs 10 crore subsidy, under the Central government’s “Pradhan Mantri Kishan Sampada Yojana” scheme, which is primarily meant for the unemployed youths and farmers.

Taking to X, Sarma said that neither my wife nor the company she is associated with has received or claimed any amount from the Government. 

The reply itself clarifies the fact that the Government of India has not released any funds to the mentioned company. I want to emphasize once again that neither my wife nor the company she is associated with has received or claimed any amount from the Government of India. If… https://t.co/70zQ1DGHTe

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 14, 2023

"I completely deny and reiterate that my wife and the company she is associated with, Pride East Entertainment Pvt Limited, have not received any subsidies from the Government of India," Sarma said on X.

I completely deny and reiterate that my wife and the company she is associated with, Pride East Entertainment Pvt Limited, have not received any subsidies from the Government of India. https://t.co/VBDGOuX29q

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 13, 2023

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi And Himanta Biswa Sarma Engage In War Of Words

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and Sarma engaged in a war of words on the matter. Gogoi took to X and said that instead of typing on Twitter (X), Sarma should issue clarification on the matter. "Please be present in Assam Assembly and clarify instead of typing on Twitter. Congress MLAs in the morning have moved an adjournment motion to discuss the entire Pride Media- KMSY but you’re answer is lacking."

Please be present in Assam Assembly and clarify instead of typing on Twitter. Congress MLAs in the morning have moved an adjournment motion to discuss the entire Pride Media- KMSY but you’re answer is lacking. https://t.co/itoflWqyZE

— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) September 14, 2023

Himanta Biswa Sarma slammed Gogoi and said, "Please do not lecture me on what to do. Whether I decide to go to the assembly or a court of law against you, I will make that decision myself."

Please do not lecture me on what to do. Whether I decide to go to the assembly or a court of law against you, I will make that decision myself. https://t.co/38OAG2xy6T

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 14, 2023