In a fiery declaration, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has signaled a new approach to dealing with political accusations, stating the "era of hit-and-run politics is over". Sarma has vowed to pursue legal action against Congress leaders who have made allegations of land grabbing against him and his family.

The accusations, which have been circulating for some time, involve claims that Sarma and his family illegally acquired government land intended for landless individuals. Congress leaders have alleged that Sarma misused his position as a minister in the previous Congress government to facilitate these land transfers to RBS Realtors, a company co-founded by his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. The specific allegation involves approximately 18 acres of land.

Sarma has consistently denied these allegations, and in the past, has stated his willingness to "retire from public life" if any evidence is provided to support the claims. Reacting to allegations made by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, Sarma has stated he is ready to move to court.

The Chief Minister's firm stance marks a shift in how he intends to address what he believes are baseless accusations. Instead of simply issuing denials, Sarma is now opting for legal recourse, setting the stage for potential defamation suits against his political rivals. This move underscores his determination to protect his reputation and hold accountable those who he believes are making false claims.

The Congress party has been persistent in its accusations. Congress leaders have demanded Sarma's dismissal and called for a Supreme Court-monitored probe by a special investigation team. They have raised the issue in Parliament, accusing Sarma of aiding the "land mafia".

These allegations are not new. In the past, similar claims have surfaced, with Congress leaders alleging that Sarma's family-owned media company received undue government subsidies. Sarma has refuted these claims as well.

Sarma has been a vocal supporter of evicting illegal encroachments on government land, stating that Assam's land is not "up for grabs". He has emphasized the importance of protecting forests and lands, further highlighting the sensitivity surrounding land-related issues in the state.

The legal battles Sarma is initiating could have significant political ramifications. They could potentially silence his critics or, conversely, lead to further scrutiny of his and his family's financial dealings. The courts will ultimately decide the veracity of the allegations and whether Sarma's reputation has been unfairly damaged.

This development unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing political clashes between the ruling BJP and the Congress party in Assam and across India. With Sarma taking a more aggressive stance against his political opponents, the coming months are likely to witness heightened political tensions and legal wrangling.