'Prove it in court': Assam CM dares Oppn over asset claims, unveils Majuli projects
Describing Majuli as strategic midpoint, Sarma says connectivity will attract business but warns against unchecked commercialisation
CM Sarma at the inauguration of Lohit Bridge in Majuli. (Photo - @himantabiswa / X)
Majuli, Feb 12: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Thursday, hit back at Opposition allegations, asserting that political rivals must prove their claims in a court of law instead of “spreading rumour”
Speaking to the press after inaugurating the Lohit Bridge in Majuli, Sarma said political discourse must rest on verifiable facts and legal accountability.
“I know only one thing. If you are doing politics, you should not stoop to a level where you cannot prove your allegations. I have said this repeatedly that before every election, we disclose our properties in affidavits as mandated by law. If someone is spreading rumours about my assets, they should go to court and prove what properties I have,” he said.
He emphasised that transparency in public life is non-negotiable. “Every election affidavit contains complete details of our declared properties. If anyone has evidence beyond that, they are free to seek legal remedy. But politics cannot run on baseless accusations,” he added.
The Chief Minister was responding to the Congress’ allegation that his family has acquired nearly 12,000 bighas of land across Assam. On February 10, Sarma had filed a Rs 500 crore defamation suit against senior Congress leaders, including APCC chief Gaurav Gogoi, terming the allegations “false and malicious”.
Infrastructure push in Majuli
Turning to development initiatives, Sarma highlighted several infrastructure projects inaugurated during his visit to Majuli on Thursday.
Among them were a Rs 51-crore academic building and student hostel for Majuli University, a new Deputy Commissioner’s office built at a cost of Rs 25 crore, a model college and a second Superintendent of Police (SP) office.
“These institutions will strengthen governance, education and administrative efficiency in Majuli. The district is no longer isolated but is becoming a focal point of development in Upper Assam,” Sarma said.
He also announced the commencement of work on the long-awaited Jorhat–Majuli Bridge. In addition, the 11-km road connecting Jorhat and Majuli will be upgraded and designated as a National Highway.
The newly inaugurated Lohit Bridge is expected to improve connectivity between Majuli and Lakhimpur, reducing dependence on ferry services and ensuring smoother year-round access.
Describing Majuli as a strategic midpoint between Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur, Sarma said improved connectivity would attract businesses and administrative institutions. However, he cautioned against unchecked commercialisation.
“More businesses will come to Majuli, but we do not want the essence of Majuli to disappear,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he has directed the Deputy Commissioner to consult local residents before preparing a vision plan for the district.
“The DC has been asked to engage with the people of Majuli, discuss what kind of businesses should come, what should not, and prepare a vision plan accordingly. Development must be aligned with local aspirations,” he added.