Guwahati, Feb 15: The political battle between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has intensified, with the Assam BJP accusing the Congress of misleading the public to divert attention from allegations against Gogoi and his wife.
In a strongly worded statement, Assam BJP spokesperson Lakhya Konwar said, “The Congress and its ecosystem are engaged in a deliberate propaganda campaign, but the people will not be deceived. Instead of deflecting, Gaurav Gogoi and his wife must address the serious allegations against them.”
Konwar pointed to newly surfaced evidence that has sparked further controversy. A July 10, 2015 article published by the Youth Forum on Foreign Policy (YFPP)—an organization backed by Gaurav Gogoi—allegedly portrayed India’s Border Security Force (BSF) as a human rights violator.
The article accused BSF personnel of brutally shooting Bangladeshi nationals under the pretext of preventing illegal infiltration, further claiming that the Indian border forces had unlawfully killed nearly 1,000 Bangladeshi citizens in violation of international law.
BJP leaders have now questioned whether Gogoi’s organization is working in the best interests of Assam or if it has been involved in damaging the reputation of India’s security forces at an international level.
“Through this article, an attempt has been made to defame India’s internal security forces. Gaurav Gogoi must be held accountable for this anti-national propaganda,” Konwar asserted.
Adding fuel to the controversy, serious concerns have been raised regarding Gaurav Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi. The BJP claimed that she was appointed by Pakistani national Ali Sheikh, an individual known for making anti-India statements.
Sarma questioned Gogoi’s alleged ties with Pakistan and said, “We are not accusing anyone, but we want clarity. Did the MP’s wife work in Pakistan? Has she taken Indian citizenship? Did Gogoi visit Pakistan, and if so, did he obtain permission from the External Affairs Ministry?”
He further said, “How can ISI and R&AW live together in the same house? ISI represents Pakistan, and R&AW represents India—this is not possible.”
Gogoi, in response, dismissed the allegations as laughable. He fired back at Sarma, saying, “If my wife is an ISI agent of Pakistan, then I am an R&AW agent of India.”
He accused the Assam CM of trying to distract from allegations against himself and his government, adding, “The chief minister is restless and insecure, which is why he is making such absurd claims.”
With state elections approaching next year, this high-voltage political battle is expected to further escalate. Both sides are firmly entrenched, turning this controversy into a flashpoint that could shape Assam’s political landscape in the coming months.
