Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma files ₹500 Cr defamation case against Congress leaders

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday described allegations made by Congress leaders as “malicious” and announced that he has filed a ₹500 crore defamation case against them.

The case has been filed against Gaurav Gogoi, Jitendra Singh, and Bhupesh Baghel following claims made at a joint press conference on February 4 by Gaurav Gogoi , Assam Congress president. Gogoi alleged that Sarma and his family had illegally occupied nearly 12,000 bighas of land across the state. He also accused the chief minister of “inciting genocide” against Muslims through his videos.

In response, Sarma termed the allegations false, malicious, and defamatory . Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he stated, “Today, I have filed a defamation case seeking ₹500 crore in damages against Congress leaders Jitendra Singh, Bhupesh Baghel, and Gaurav Gogoi for making false, malicious, and defamatory allegations against me through a press conference.”

A defamation case is a legal action taken by a person or entity who believes their reputation has been harmed by false statements made publicly. The plaintiff seeks monetary compensation or a formal apology for the damage caused to their reputation.

This move marks the latest development in the political tussle between the ruling BJP in Assam and the Congress party, with both sides trading serious allegations in recent weeks.