Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma today said she would file a Rs 10 crore defamation case against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi over his claim that her company received a central subsidy of Rs 10 crore.
An intense war of words has been going on between Mr Gogoi and the Chief Minister on X (formerly Twitter) since yesterday over Ms Sarma’s alleged involvement in receiving a credit-related subsidy from the central government.
“Pride East Entertainments Pvt. Ltd. is an independent entity in existence since 2006 with business interests across various sectors. It is a law-abiding company with all its financials in the public domain. With a long and successful business track record, Pride East Entertainments Pvt. Ltd. – like any other eligible company – is eligible to participate in government supported schemes/incentive schemes. However, in the present case, Pride East Entertainments Pvt. Ltd, in respect of the PM Kisan Sampada Scheme, filed no claims or received a single government grant despite meeting all eligibility criteria,” Riniki Bhuyan Sarma tweeted in X.
Attached to the Lok Sabha replies, Mr Gogoi had initially posted: “Yesterday, Himanta Biswa Sarma parroted a line about his wife’s firm. For his sake, I certify the reply of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal in Parliament. Piyush Goyal’s response has exposed the truth and both ministers must clarify.”
Out of respect, I will offer my free consultation to the company associated with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, which has received approval for a grant of Rs 10 crore from the Indian government. Please make Union Minister Piyush Goyal and BJP MP Pallab Das a party to the cause. pic.twitter.com/6O3oJ7wKz2
— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) September 14, 2023
“The response itself clarifies the fact that the Government of India has not released any money to the said company. I would like to emphasize once again that neither my wife nor the company she is associated with has received or claimed any amount from the Government of India. If anyone can prove otherwise, I am ready to accept any punishment, including retirement from public life,” the prime minister tweeted.
“Please be present in the Assam Assembly and clarify instead of typing on Twitter. The Congress MLAs have moved an adjournment motion this morning to discuss the entire Pride Media-KMSY but your response is missing,” Mr Gogoi had responded.
An irritated post from the Prime Minister then read: “Please don’t lecture me on what to do. Whether I decide to go to the meeting or a court against you, I will make that decision myself.”
“Please don’t get irritated,” Mr. Gogoi shot back. “I will send you the link of the Opposition MLAs who want your presence in the Assembly. I will be happy if you go to court and all the documents will be made public,” he added.
The row then became intensely personal, leading to protests from many who followed the prime minister.
“Yes, I am annoyed. Since 2010, there have been numerous reasons for my anger against your family. I am confident that we will meet in court, and once again, I will be able to prove my point. I have successfully done so done in court.” 2016 and 2021, and I am determined to do it again, both in the People’s Court and in a court of law,” said Mr. Sarma.
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, one of Assam’s biggest politicians experienced post-Covid complications. We advised his family to shift him to Delhi for better treatment with the state government bearing the costs. However, his distinguished son refused to take the patient to Delhi,” read another report.
I feel sorry for you and wish you the best. Sharing Tarun Gogoi’s viral video of my late father https://t.co/os4mYzgRNq In this video he said: “I have never met anyone who could touch my feet and stick a dagger in my back at the same time” ( in Assamese). https://t.co/3136oQGv7e
— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) September 14, 2023
“I feel sorry for you and I wish you the best. Sharing Tarun Gogoi’s viral video of my late father https://youtu.be/8lblKM7YXgc?si=phPGSjpk77XQiIi5 In this video he said: “I have never met anyone met someone who could touch my feet and at the same time stabbed a dagger into my back” (in Assamese), “Mr Gogoi shot back.
