Assam CM Challenges Gaurav Gogoi: “If I’m Wrong, I’ll Quit as CM and Won’t Even Return Home”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi engaged in a fierce public dispute on May 18, centered around allegations of foreign connections and national security concerns. Sarma launched a strong verbal attack on Gogoi, accusing him of having links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Speaking at a public gathering, Sarma claimed that Gogoi had traveled to Pakistan at the invitation of the country’s Interior Ministry, which oversees ISI operations. Sarma questioned the MP’s patriotism, calling the visit an act of espionage and suggesting Gogoi’s parliamentary questions about India’s nuclear weapon storage and coastal security were informed by intelligence obtained during this trip.

Sarma challenged Gogoi’s integrity, rhetorically asking who had prepared the sensitive questions he raised in Parliament, implying they were influenced by foreign training. He declared that if he had made even one incorrect statement, he would resign as Chief Minister and not even return to his home. This bold statement underlined the seriousness with which Sarma was accusing Gogoi.

The tension between the two politicians, which had been simmering for weeks, escalated on social media. Sarma revealed for the first time publicly that Gogoi’s visit to Pakistan was not part of any diplomatic or cultural exchange but was arranged by Pakistan’s Home Department, raising significant security concerns. Sarma claimed that Gogoi had gone there for training, asserting that this issue fell outside India’s Ministry of External Affairs and was instead a national security matter. The Assam government, according to Sarma, possessed documentary evidence, and further actions might be taken depending on investigations.

In a separate allegation, Sarma accused Gogoi’s spouse of receiving payments for two years from a Pakistan-based NGO allegedly linked to ISI activities. Although Gogoi did not deny visiting Pakistan, he has not clarified the purpose or nature of the trip. The Congress party had yet to release an official response to these accusations.

Responding on social media, Gogoi sharply criticized Sarma, accusing him of obsession and insecurity. He called the allegations “absurd” and “bordering on insanity,” expressing concern about Sarma’s mental health. Gogoi claimed that Sarma had targeted him since he entered Assam politics, making baseless remarks over 13 years. He likened Sarma’s narrative to a poorly written film script and accused him of acting like an “IT cell troll” spreading lies without evidence. Gogoi demanded Sarma to provide proof publicly rather than making unfounded claims.

Gogoi also referred to past controversies involving Sarma, such as the “body double” incident during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, accusing the Chief Minister of diverting attention from genuine issues. Gogoi emphasized that Congress’s focus remained on Assam’s economic problems and the coal-drug mafia protected by political forces.

This bitter exchange has intensified the political atmosphere in Assam ahead of the 2026 elections. Gogoi warned Sarma that after 2026, he would ensure Sarma faces consequences for his actions. The ongoing feud has added a significant layer of political drama, highlighting deep divisions and increasing rivalry between the two leaders. The Congress party’s official stance on these accusations remains awaited, leaving the issue open for further developments as the election approaches.