Himanta Biswa Sarma Urges Rahul Gandhi to Exclude Gaurav Gogoi from Diplomatic Delegation

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to exclude Gaurav Gogoi from a proposed delegation of four parliamentarians. This group is set to travel abroad to discuss India's stance on terrorism supported by Pakistan. Sarma reposted a list shared by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, suggesting that Gogoi's inclusion could compromise national security.

Gogoi responded by challenging Sarma to present any evidence against him. He questioned the timing of Sarma's claims, asking why proof was being withheld until September. "Why wait till September? He must be speaking on the basis of some proof. He can give those now and give the final proof in September," Gogoi said, referring to Sarma's earlier statement about revealing evidence by September 10.

Allegations and Responses

Sarma alleged that one of the MPs from Assam had spent two weeks in Pakistan and that credible documents showed his wife received a salary from a Pakistan-based NGO while working in India. Although he did not name Gogoi directly, these allegations were implied to be against him. "In the interest of national security and beyond partisan politics, I urge leader of opposition Sri Rahul Gandhi not to include this individual in such a sensitive and strategic assignment," Sarma stated.

Gogoi asked Sarma to clarify whether any BJP members had visited Pakistan or had business dealings with Pakistani nationals. "If we had gone to Pakistan, when did we go – let him say that at least. Let him also say whether anyone from the BJP had also gone or not, or is it that only Congress went," he said.

Congress Delegation and Government Request

The Congress party was requested by the government to submit names for diplomatic outreach. The list shared by Ramesh included former minister Anand Sharma, Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain, Lok Sabha MP Raja Brar, and Gogoi. Gogoi questioned why the Centre remained silent if he posed a threat to national security.

Gogoi further alleged that Sarma was attempting to tarnish his reputation out of jealousy. "He is jealous that there are no 18 companies in the name of my children. There are no tea gardens, resorts, or plots of land in my name or my family's name. He is only trying to malign me," he claimed.

Gogoi maintained that he knew the facts and thus chose not to react strongly to Sarma's accusations. "Let him come out with the basis of his allegations so far. I don’t have a problem. We also want to know. I know the facts and hence, I am not reacting," he stated.

The ongoing exchange between Sarma and Gogoi highlights tensions within Indian politics regarding international relations and national security concerns. The situation remains dynamic as both parties await further developments.

With inputs from PTI