Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has publicly asserted that he possesses no personal property other than his government salary, dismissing opposition claims about his and his family’s financial assets. His remarks came on Thursday while responding to questions from reporters about allegations made by political opponents regarding the wealth of his family. Sarma, known for his sharp responses, clarified his position in a composed yet firm tone. “I don’t have any property at all. My wife works for her own wellbeing — she does not steal or take anything unlawfully. If someone earns through honest means, what’s wrong with that? Apart from my salary, I have nothing else,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister added that he lives on his salary alone and has no additional income sources. “Apart from my salary, I don’t have anything,” he said, stressing that his family members are financially independent and do not depend on him for their livelihood. Sarma also pointed out that even ordinary people like a tea stall owner earn their living through work, and there is nothing wrong in doing so. “Even a tea stall owner earns money by working hard. Similarly, if my wife does a job or takes part in business, what objection can there be? It is her right to work,” he remarked.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions about politicians’ wealth and transparency. Interestingly, just a few months earlier, the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) had listed Himanta Biswa Sarma as the 9th richest Chief Minister in India, based on the assets he declared in his election affidavit. According to ADR’s 2024 report, Sarma had declared total assets worth ₹17 crore. In that report, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu topped the list as the richest CM in India, declaring assets of about ₹931 crore, followed by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu with ₹332 crore. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stood third with ₹51 crore, while Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio ranked fourth with ₹46 crore.