Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Bestowed With Top Singapore Fellowship; Congress Seeks Withdrawal

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been bestowed with the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship of Singapore, an official release said on September 17.

Himanta Biswa Sarma Gets Top Singapore Fellowship

CM Sarma has been extended an invitation to visit Singapore as a Lee Kuan Yew Fellow for his “dedicated leadership” in public works and development. The Fellowship was launched as a tribute to Lee Kuan Yew, founding Prime Minister of Singapore, for his contributions to the nation.

“Sarma has been chosen for the award in recognition of his immense role in championing the cause of development and international harmony,” the release from the Chief Minister’s Office said. Meanwhile, Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah expressed surprise at the Singapore government’s decision to offer the fellowship to CM Sarma.

“I am astounded by the Singapore government’s decision to award the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. Lee Kuan Yew, the Father of Singapore, was an exemplary statesman who demonstrated honesty, hard work and civility all his life. On the other hand, Himanta Biswa Sarma exemplifies the opposite of everything that Lee Kuan Yew stood for. He is accused of several financial scams. He has regularly made highly communalised statements against minorities,” Bhupen Kumar Borah said in a statement.