Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday alleged that documents used by Congress leaders Pawan Khera and Gaurav Gogoi in the ongoing passport controversy involving his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, were “AI Photoshopped” and sourced from a Pakistani social media group.

Speaking at a press conference, Sarma claimed that the original passport image had been manipulated. “The original UAE passport was uploaded on social media by a Pakistani man. They (Congress) did AI Photoshop in the passport. Tipu Sultan had uploaded the original passport on social media. The Egyptian passport is also fake. You can find out through Google Reverse,” he said.

The Chief Minister further accused Congress of fabricating the controversy using doctored documents and questioned the credibility of claims made by Khera and Gogoi.

Sarma also dismissed allegations concerning foreign companies linked to his family, pointing out the ease of registering firms abroad. “Anyone can register a company by paying USD 199. After yesterday’s press conference, they created another company in the name of Riniki,” he said.

Reiterating his charge of foreign interference, he alleged that Congress leaders were assisted by a Pakistani social media group. “Congress used images of passports and documents procured from a Pakistani social media group. Gaurav Gogoi was helped by a Pakistani social media group… How Pakistan is trying to influence Assam election, this is very important,” Sarma added.

During the briefing, Sarma presented a detailed slide presentation titled “How the truth was uncovered,” highlighting what he described as inconsistencies in the allegations. According to the presentation, Congress used passport images and documents allegedly sourced from a Pakistani social media group and altered them to insert details of Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.

ALSO READ | ECI seizes over Rs 651 cr in cash, liquor ahead of elections; here’s which state tops the list

The presentation also claimed that errors in the edited documents exposed the alleged fabrication. “The allegations levelled are completely baseless, depending on fabricated documents and with a malafide intention to vitiate the electoral atmosphere,” it stated. It added that a “simple Google reverse search” of the passport number revealed the original details, contradicting Congress’ claims.

The controversy escalated after Khera alleged that Sarma’s wife held multiple passports and had undisclosed business interests abroad, including in Dubai and the United States. The Chief Minister has denied these claims, saying at least one of the passports cited has already been confirmed as “fake” by authorities.

ALSO READ | How to verify your name in Assam voter list online or via SMS

Meanwhile, Gogoi has continued his attacks on social media, referencing Dubai’s “Golden visa” scheme as part of the ongoing political sparring between the ruling BJP and Congress ahead of the state elections.

Sarma also noted that an FIR had been filed by his wife and warned of legal action, stating that the use of fabricated documents to influence elections could attract strict punishment under the law.

The allegations come as Assam prepares for single-phase Assembly elections on 9 April, covering 126 constituencies, with votes set to be counted on 4 May.