Daijiworld Media Network- Guwahati
Guwahati, May 6: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has escalated his attack on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, throwing a direct challenge to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to publicly declare in Parliament whether the Congress permits its Members of Parliament to visit Pakistan.
Speaking during a Panchayat election campaign in the state on Monday, Sarma reiterated his allegation that Gogoi had travelled to Pakistan and even held a meeting with a military official there — a move the Chief Minister described as a “serious offence”.
“Not only did he visit Pakistan, but he also engaged with a Pakistani military officer. This cannot be taken lightly. I have documents to support this, and strict action will follow,” Sarma stated.
The Chief Minister further claimed that Gogoi's foreign connections extend beyond just travel. He pointed to what he described as a “deeper story” concerning the citizenship status of Gogoi’s children, hinting that they might not be Indian nationals. “The full truth will come out by September 10,” Sarma asserted, adding that additional documents from Pakistan and the UK are being procured.
In a sharp political jab, Sarma dared Rahul Gandhi: “I want Rahul Gandhi to stand in Parliament and clarify whether it is acceptable for Congress MPs to visit Pakistan. Does he have the courage to speak on this?”
This is not the first time Sarma has targeted Gogoi. He has frequently raised questions about Gogoi’s wife Elizabeth Colburn and her alleged professional association with Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, a former advisor to Pakistan’s Planning Commission. Sarma claimed Sheikh has links to Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and accused him of interfering in India’s internal affairs — a matter that may soon involve Interpol and invoke the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Meanwhile, the BJP has continued to mount pressure on the Congress, raising concerns over the implications of foreign ties among senior leaders’ family members. Sarma had earlier said he would also seek an explanation from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over Gogoi’s candidature.
The Congress has so far remained tight-lipped on the issue. Political analysts say that if the matter escalates, it could lead to a larger confrontation in Parliament in the coming weeks.