Don’t need lessons in decency, Himanta hits back at Singhvi

Guwahati: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday hit back at Congress leader and advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi over the latter’s remarks on democracy and decency, saying he did not need lessons on public discourse from Singhvi.


Sarma’s response came hours after the Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a forgery and criminal case lodged by Assam Police on a complaint by Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, and after Singhvi addressed a press conference in Delhi.


In a post on X, Sarma wrote: “I don’t need lessons on democracy, public discourse or decency from anyone, especially from AM Singhvi. Decency and him can never be in the same room. The real issue here pertains to a woman - who has nothing to do with politics - but has her character assassinated on national television using forged documents from other countries.”


He added: “I am confident the courts will take note of this, sooner or later and the guilty will be punished for his brazen act of maligning a woman's character using false documents to influence electoral outcomes. Also Dr Singhvi, it’s easy to speak on a platform where I am not present to respond. That is not called a debate - it is simply avoiding a fair exchange, one which you were espousing. And let me be clear, this is just the beginning, not the end.”


The controversy stems from allegations made by Khera at a press conference on April 6, where he accused Riniki of holding multiple passports and undisclosed assets. Sarma has rejected the allegations as baseless and claimed “forged documents” were used on national television to influence voters.


Earlier on Friday, after Khera was granted anticipatory bail, Singhvi urged Sarma to reflect on his public remarks cited in the Supreme Court’s judgment, saying some statements recorded were unfit for repetition and warning that such language undermines democratic values. Singhvi also said the court had taken note of the observations and that the Solicitor General did not justify or support them.


“There is also a larger issue. Let me preface it by saying I am nobody--and I mean it--to advise the CM of Assam. He may well head to a victory two days later; these are the vicissitudes of democracy and politics. But I, with folded hands, request the CM of Assam – presently caretaker CM for two more days before the verdict comes out – does he not wish that he should genuinely reconsider his stand as reflected in the judgment?,” Singhvi said at the press conference.


Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha and Assam party president Gaurav Gogoi also attacked Sarma, posting on X: “Today the Supreme Court of India has criticised the conduct and remarks of Himanta Biswa Sarma. His reaction at that moment only betrayed his guilt and panic to hide his mountain of illegal wealth and properties. It is unfortunate that the proud people of Assam have had to suffer his corruption and intimidation for the last five years.”
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