Allegations Spark Political Confrontation

The political temperature in Assam has risen sharply after Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi indicated that he is considering legal action against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over allegations linking him to Pakistan. The controversy follows a prolonged press conference by the Chief Minister in which he claimed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had found “direct links” connecting Gogoi and his family to Pakistan.

Gogoi has rejected the allegations outright, calling them baseless and politically motivated, and has demanded that the SIT report cited by the Chief Minister be made public without further delay.

Demand for Public Release of SIT Report

At the centre of the dispute is the SIT report that the Assam government claims forms the basis of the allegations. Gogoi has questioned why the report, which was reportedly promised for public release in September last year, remains undisclosed several months later.

Addressing the media in Guwahati, the Congress MP argued that the Chief Minister’s 2.5-hour-long briefing failed to present any documentary evidence. He maintained that allegations of such gravity cannot rest on verbal claims alone and must be supported by verifiable records placed in the public domain.

Questions Over Transparency and Accountability

Gogoi has further argued that the government cannot selectively rely on the SIT’s findings while denying citizens access to its conclusions. He stated that if the report is credible enough to be forwarded to the Union Home Ministry, it should also withstand public and judicial scrutiny.

The Congress leader emphasised that transparency is essential when allegations involve issues of national security and personal credibility, warning that secrecy only fuels speculation and political mistrust.

Objection to Involvement of Minor Children

The controversy has also taken a personal turn, with Gogoi accusing the Chief Minister of disclosing information related to his minor children during the press conference. He described this as an unacceptable breach of political and ethical norms, arguing that family members—particularly children—should not be drawn into political conflicts.

Gogoi stated that political accountability must remain confined to public actions and official conduct, and hinted that such disclosures could invite judicial intervention if repeated.

Government’s Claims and Alleged Pakistan Links

Chief Minister Sarma has claimed that the SIT uncovered connections involving Gogoi, his wife Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi, and Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. According to Sarma, Elizabeth Gogoi worked in Pakistan between March 2011 and March 2012, while Gogoi himself allegedly travelled to Pakistan in 2013 and visited multiple cities.

The Chief Minister has also referred to photographs purportedly showing Gogoi at the Pakistan Embassy with youth delegations, presenting these as indicators of deeper associations.

Gogoi’s Rebuttal and Counter-Allegations

Rejecting the claims, Gogoi has argued that professional work abroad, travel, or photographs—without context or evidence of wrongdoing—do not establish illegality. He has maintained that none of the assertions demonstrate any violation of law or national interest.

In response, Gogoi has accused the Chief Minister of attempting to divert attention from Congress allegations that Sarma’s family illegally acquired nearly 12,000 bighas of land across Assam. He claims the Pakistan-related accusations gained momentum only after these land-related claims were raised publicly.

Political Timing Ahead of Assembly Elections

The escalation comes at a politically sensitive moment, with Assam Assembly elections approaching. Congress leaders have described the allegations as part of a broader strategy to discredit opposition figures and polarise voters ahead of the polls.

Senior Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi has pointed out that several Indian leaders across party lines have visited Pakistan in the past without controversy, arguing that selective outrage raises questions about political intent.

Possible Legal and Political Fallout

Gogoi has reiterated that he does not oppose an investigation but insists it must be fair, transparent, and free from political manipulation. He has warned that continued allegations without evidence could prompt him to seek judicial remedies.

The Chief Minister, meanwhile, has indicated that central agencies may be involved in the matter, suggesting that the issue could extend beyond the state’s political arena.

whats next ?

The confrontation between Gaurav Gogoi and Himanta Biswa Sarma has moved beyond political rhetoric into a broader debate over evidence, transparency, and ethical conduct in public life. As legal options are explored and election campaigning intensifies, the Assam political row is likely to remain a defining issue in the state’s electoral discourse, with implications for governance, accountability, and political norms.

FAQs

Q: What is the Assam political row about?
A: It centres on allegations by the Assam CM linking Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi to Pakistan, which Gogoi strongly denies.

Q: Why is the SIT report controversial?
A: Gogoi says the government cites the SIT but has not made its findings public, raising transparency concerns.

Q: Has Gogoi threatened legal action?
A: Yes, he has said he is exploring legal remedies if allegations continue without evidence.

Q: Why is the timing significant?
A: The row has erupted weeks before Assam Assembly elections, giving it major political implications.

Q: Will central agencies investigate the matter?
A: The Assam government has indicated that central agencies may take over the probe.

References

🔗 https://assamtribune.com/assam/political-debate-erupts-in-assam-over-cms-pak-link-allegations-on-gaurav-gogoi-1606943/ — Political row erupts after Pak link claims against Gogoi.

🔗 https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/assam/guwahati/congress-gaurav-gogoi-on-assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-allegations-and-says-my-wife-visited-pak-for-work-related-purpose/articleshow/128114181.cms — Gogoi responds to Pakistan link accusations.

🔗 https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/gaurav-gogoi-attempted-to-legitimise-pakistan-assam-cm-alleges-congress-mps-links-with-neighbouring-country/amp_articleshow/128061883.cms — Assam CM makes allegations about Gogoi and wife.

🔗 https://m.economictimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/assam/gogoi-himanta-face-off-continues-over-congress-mps-pakistan-visit-3547990 — Earlier clash between Gogoi and Sarma over Pakistan visit.

🔗 https://www.abplive.com/news/india/himanta-vs-gogoi-assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-said-hm-investigate-pakistani-links-of-congress-mp-gaurav-gogoi-3086614/amp — Govt to send alleged Pakistan link probe to MHA.

🔗 https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/involves-national-security-assam-sends-gaurav-gogoi-pakistan-links-case-to-centre-lclnt-rptc-2461776-2026-02-08 — ABP Live report on SIT and MHA transfer.

🔗 https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/himanta-biswa-sarma-gaurav-gogoi-pak-links-attari-border-claim-10968950 — NDTV report on press conference and allegations.