A significant political controversy has erupted in Assam following Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s public admission that he visited Pakistan over a decade ago. The admission has sparked sharp accusations from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who alleges that Gogoi has deeper ties with the Pakistani establishment. The Chief Minister has promised to reveal explosive findings on the matter from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on September 10.
Gogoi clarified that his visit to Pakistan in 2013 was connected to his wife’s professional work. Speaking at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) office in Delhi, Gogoi stated that he and his wife traveled to Pakistan 11-12 years ago for her assignment as a public policy analyst involved in a climate project. He dismissed the Chief Minister’s claims, sarcastically referring to the allegations as an attempt to produce a "C-grade movie" slated for release on September 10.
Despite this clarification, the Assam Chief Minister maintained his grave allegations. He asserted on social media that credible information and documented inputs suggest Gogoi has maintained close proximity with the Pakistani establishment. Sarma’s accusations also extended to the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of promoting a compromised individual into public life.
The Assam government has planned to make public the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the matter this September. The Chief Minister has emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring that all relevant information would be disclosed fully to the public on September 10.
Gogoi has pushed back strongly against the accusations, questioning the timing and motives behind the release of these allegations. He highlighted the irony that if the allegations were true and wrongdoing had occurred, the Assam government had been in power for the last 11-12 years without taking any action. He also questioned the role of central investigative agencies, suggesting political maneuvering with upcoming elections as the real motive behind the controversy.
Throughout the unfolding political drama, Gogoi has insisted on the transparency of his public record. He questioned why no investigations or actions were taken by the government or central agencies over the past decade despite the allegations. He maintained that the charges are politically motivated attempts to tarnish his reputation and derail his political career.
As the political confrontation continues, Gogoi remains resolute, stating that the allegations are part of an "election mindset" aimed at influencing public opinion ahead of elections. He emphasized that his party’s leadership has already cleared any doubts regarding his actions and integrity.
The Assam Chief Minister, on the other hand, appears determined to leverage the SIT findings to strengthen his position and discredit Gogoi. His allegations and promises to expose purported evidence have stirred considerable political tension in the state, highlighting the deepening rivalry between the ruling party and the Congress.
In summary, this political storm centers on Gaurav Gogoi’s admission of a Pakistan visit connected to his wife’s professional work, which the Assam CM claims is part of a larger, suspicious connection with Pakistan. With the SIT report’s release imminent, the situation is intensifying, with both sides accusing each other of political gamesmanship while the public awaits the truth. The controversy has drawn attention to issues of transparency, political rivalry, and the role of investigative agencies in India’s democratic process.