Guwahati, May 1: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday sharply rebuffed senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, asserting that he does not need “lectures on democracy, public discourse or decency” from anyone, as a political row intensified over remarks linked to Congress leader Pawan Khera.
In a post on X, Sarma accused Singhvi of avoiding direct debate and alleged that a non-political woman had been unfairly targeted, with her character “damaged on national television” using what he described as forged documents. He said the matter would ultimately be examined by the courts, and those responsible would face action.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came after Singhvi urged him to reconsider his position, citing observations by the Supreme Court of India. Singhvi also criticised certain public statements made in the case, calling them inappropriate and detrimental to democratic values.
Defending Khera, Singhvi argued that most of the charges against the Congress leader were bailable and emphasised that democratic dissent must be protected. He cautioned that curbing free speech would undermine constitutional rights.
The controversy stems from remarks made by Khera in connection with the Chief Minister’s family. The Supreme Court has granted him anticipatory bail, subject to conditions, bringing the legal and political confrontation into sharper focus.
