Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has once again targeted Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi amid ongoing investigations into allegations linking him to Pakistan. Sarma emphasized that the allegations are of a serious nature and warrant investigation by a central agency.
During a press conference today, Sarma revealed that a special investigation team (SIT) report indicates that Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Coleburn, shared confidential information with Pakistan, including possible links to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Sarma stated that the government plans to request the Union Home Ministry to take over the case for a thorough investigation, citing the sensitivity and broader implications involved.
Details of the Case
The case revolves around allegations that Coleburn, Gogoi’s British wife, had ties to Pakistan while working in Islamabad under Tauqeer Sheikh, a former adviser to Pakistan’s Planning Commission. These claims prompted the formation of an SIT, which conducted an inquiry and registered a case based on its initial findings. However, Sarma’s government has now decided that a central agency’s involvement is necessary.
Sarma’s Remarks
Sarma argued that the investigation by the Assam government has limitations and that a deeper probe is essential to uncover the extent of the alleged connections. He claimed that the 44-page SIT report suggests Coleburn shared confidential documents with Sheikh and was being managed by Pakistani interests. Sarma also alleged that she traveled to Pakistan nine times since her marriage to Gogoi, often crossing the Attari border to maintain a low profile.
Furthermore, Sarma alleged that Gogoi’s family might have provided inputs and suggestions to Pakistani entities, and he questioned the limited access Gogoi had during a 2013 trip to Pakistan, which was reportedly restricted to Lahore, whereas Sarma claimed Gogoi later visited Islamabad and Karachi.
In addition, Sarma raised concerns about Gogoi’s son’s British passport, which was issued with the religion column left blank despite the child’s Hindu faith, and demanded clarification within ten days.
Reaction from Gaurav Gogoi
Gaurav Gogoi dismissed Sarma’s allegations, describing his press conference as “super flop” and “worse than C-grade cinema.” In an online statement, Gogoi accused Sarma of offering “mindless and bogus points” and linked the controversy to ongoing land occupation issues in Assam.
Political Fallout
Sarma challenged Gogoi to deny the allegations publicly and called for a detailed inquiry, asserting that Delhi’s intelligence agencies could provide answers regarding Gogoi’s visits to Pakistan. He also suggested that the Congress leader’s close ties to the Gandhi family might have influenced the handling of the case.
Gogoi responded sharply, criticizing Sarma’s conduct and questioning the credibility of the SIT report. He stated that Sarma’s 2.5-hour press conference failed to satisfy journalists and accused him of making a mockery of his office, implying that the allegations concern the Chief Minister’s own family land issues.
Continued Tensions
The dispute between Sarma and Gogoi remains heated, with Sarma urging further investigation and Gogoi dismissing the allegations as baseless. The controversy has added a new dimension to the political rivalry in Assam, with both leaders trading accusations publicly.