News Desk: A strong reaction has emerged following a speech delivered yesterday by Union Home Minister Amit Shah (Amit Shah Assam Controversy). While criticizing the then Congress government, his remarks have now raised questions regarding the tenure of present Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma during that period.
It is noteworthy that Amit Shah made these statements while attending the foundation-laying ceremony of a Rs.2,092 crore health infrastructure project in Assam. In his speech, he sharply criticized the Congress, alleging that during its 15-year rule, around Rs. 150 crore was siphoned off every year. He further claimed that funds meant for the treatment of 9 lakh unborn children, healthcare for the poor, and 390 Anganwadi centres were misappropriated. Shah also stated that despite the Prime Minister at the time being elected from Assam, adequate attention was not given to the development of health infrastructure and medical education in the state.
Following these remarks, discussions—particularly on social media—have begun, suggesting that Shah’s allegations indirectly point toward Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who served as the Health Minister during the Congress regime. Social media discussions further highlight that the period Shah referred to coincides with Sarma’s tenure as Health Minister.
Questions are now being raised about whether the alleged corruption occurred with Sarma’s knowledge or without it. Additionally, if such irregularities took place without his knowledge, why were they not made public or acted upon later has also become a subject of debate.
Reaction from Congress leader Pawan Khera:
Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera responded to Amit Shah’s remarks, stating in a national media interaction:
“Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in his speech that corruption worth Rs.150 crore occurred every year during the Congress rule in Assam. At that time, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma was also present on the stage. He served as the Health Minister for 15 years under the Congress government. Therefore, Amit Shah has directly established Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma as corrupt. We want to ask the Home Minister—are you seeking the Chief Minister’s resignation? Has any investigation by the CBI or ED been initiated against him? We want answers to these questions.”
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