Himanta Biswa Sarma Seeks Answers From Gaurav Gogoi Over Wife’s Alleged Pakistan Links

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday urged Congress Assam Pradesh President and MP Gaurav Gogoi to respond to allegations concerning his wife's alleged links with a Pakistani national, calling the issue one of "serious national security."

Speaking to ANI, Sarma claimed that Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi, the Congress leader's wife, had professional associations in Pakistan and allegedly received payments linked to entities there. The Chief Minister said the matter could not be brushed aside and demanded a clear explanation from Gogoi.

"He has to understand that this concerns serious national security, especially when it comes to Pakistan. You cannot divert the topic with casual remarks. You have to answer-today or tomorrow," Sarma said, adding that such questions must be addressed openly.

Claims Over Pakistan Visits And Alleged Links

Sarma alleged that Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi had visited Pakistan nine times and that Gaurav Gogoi accompanied her on some of those trips. According to him, she initially worked with an organisation in Pakistan before marriage and later continued professional engagement from India.

The Chief Minister further claimed that she allegedly received a salary through what he described as a "pass-through mechanism" and submitted periodic reports on political developments. "Sitting in India, taking a salary from an enemy country and submitting reports on political developments is a matter of grave concern," Sarma said.

He also raised questions over the nature of visas issued for travel to Pakistan. Sarma alleged that Gogoi was invited by Pakistan's Ministry of Interior and stayed there for around ten days. "How can an Indian MP be invited by Pakistan's Ministry of Interior? How did he spend those days there? These are questions we have asked," he stated.

Additionally, Sarma questioned the decision to surrender the Indian passports of Gogoi's children and obtain British passports for them, noting that Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi already holds British citizenship. He expressed hope that Gogoi would clarify all concerns publicly.

The Chief Minister reiterated that these questions were raised earlier as well and said the matter needed transparency given the sensitivity of India-Pakistan relations.

Gogoi Rejects Allegations, Calls Press Meet 'Super Flop'

Gaurav Gogoi strongly denied the allegations and dismissed Sarma's remarks as baseless. In a post on X, the Congress MP described the Chief Minister's press conference as a "super flop" and accused him of attempting to divert attention from political issues in Assam.

"I pity the journalists from Delhi and Assam who had to suffer the most flop press conference of the century. This was worse than a C-grade cinema," Gogoi wrote, adding that the allegations were "mindless and bogus."

He linked the controversy to Congress' ongoing Samay Parivartan Yatra in Assam, claiming it had exposed alleged corruption and communal politics by the BJP in the state. Gogoi asserted that the campaign had highlighted issues including land ownership controversies involving the Chief Minister and his family.

Separate Row Over 'Miyan Muslim' Remark

Meanwhile, Sarma also defended his earlier "Miyan Muslim" remark amid criticism from opposition leaders. Responding to objections, he said his comments were directed at illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh and not at Indian Muslims.

"I don't know which remark of mine offended Owaisi. I don't say anything about Muslims. I speak against infiltrators coming from Bangladesh. There are limited resources for the people of India," he said, adding that the issue of illegal immigration needed wider political consensus.

The exchange has intensified political tensions in Assam, with both leaders standing firm on their positions and the controversy continuing to dominate the state's political discourse.