Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday filed a Rs 500 crore defamation case against Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi, Jitendra Singh, and Bhupesh Baghel, accusing them of making false and defamatory allegations against him during a press conference.

Sarma announced both civil and criminal defamation proceedings would be initiated.

Sarma's Statement

In a post on X, the Assam CM detailed his legal action: "Today, I have filed a defamation case seeking ₹500 crore in damages against Congress leaders Jitendra Singh, Bhupesh Baghel and Gaurav Gogoi for making false, malicious and defamatory allegations against me through a press conference."

Sarma said proceedings would begin on February 9, 2026, and also named Congress leader D Saikia in the case.

"Era of Hit-and-Run Politics is Over"

The Chief Minister issued a strong challenge to the Congress leaders: "The era of hit-and-run politics is over. If they have even an ounce of courage or evidence, let them prove every allegation before a court of law."

He added: "I will not be intimidated by propaganda, coordinated slander, or political theatrics of so-called slaves of Gandhi family."

No Immediate Response from Congress

There was no immediate response from the Congress leaders named in the defamation case. The specific allegations made during the press conference that prompted the legal action have not been detailed in Sarma's public statements.

The defamation case comes amid heightened political tensions between Sarma and the Congress party. The Assam CM has faced criticism from Opposition leaders on various issues, including his recent remarks on voter roll revisions that have been challenged in the Supreme Court.