Congress Levels Allegations of ₹10 Crore Subsidy to Assam CM‘s Wife’s Media Company; CM Firmly Denies Accusations.
A political maelstrom has engulfed the BJP-governed state of Assam as the Congress party raises serious allegations against the wife of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. Gaurav Gogoi, Congress Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha, took to social media to claim that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, spouse of the Assam Chief Minister, received a substantial ₹10 crore subsidy from the Central government for her media enterprise, Pride East Entertainments Private Limited. Alongside his assertion, Gogoi shared a screenshot from the Ministry of Food Processing’s website, which seemingly confirms the transfer of the mentioned sum as part of a credit-linked subsidy.
In response, Chief Minister Sarma has adamantly rejected these allegations, taking to social media to defend his wife and the company’s reputation.
Introduction to Pride East Entertainments:
Pride East Entertainments Pvt Ltd stands as a prominent regional media powerhouse, spanning the entire northeast region of India. Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the wife of Chief Minister Sarma, holds the prestigious position of Chief Managing Director (CMD) within the company. Incorporated under the Companies Act 1956, the firm boasts an expansive viewership of 100 million from regions across India and beyond. Additionally, Riniki is deeply involved in overseeing ‘The Golden Threads of Assam’, a critical initiative aimed at preserving Assam’s iconic royal silk, Muga, and supporting the skilled weavers.
The Allegations Against Pride East Entertainments:
Key figures within the Congress party have accused the Assam Chief Minister of directing government subsidies towards his wife’s media conglomerate, Pride East Entertainments.
Gaurav Gogoi, through a social media post, highlighted the Ministry of Food Processing’s website, presenting evidence of Riniki Bhuyan Sarma’s company, Pride East Entertainments Private Limited, receiving ₹10 crore as part of a credit-linked subsidy. Gogoi contended that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma allegedly employed his influence to secure this financial aid for his wife’s venture, raising questions about whether central government schemes were being manipulated for political gains.
Congress’ Perspective:
Congress spokesperson Gourav Vallabh alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma procured 50 bigha of agricultural land in Darigaji village, district Nagaon, Assam, and subsequently converted it into industrial land to qualify for the ₹10 crore government grant. Vallabh argued that while farmers earned a paltry ₹27 per day from cultivation in 2018-19, this substantial sum, initially designated for them, was rerouted to a media entity affiliated with the Assam CM’s wife.
Opposition’s Demands:
Several political leaders, including TMC’s Sushmita Dev and Assam Jatiya Parishad President Lurinjyoti Gogoi, have fervently called for a comprehensive and impartial judicial inquiry by the Gauhati High Court into the allegations.
Assam CM’s Response:
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has categorically dismissed all allegations, asserting, “I would like to reiterate with full responsibility that my wife and the company she is associated with have not taken or received any subsidies from the Government of India.”
