Guwahati, Feb 17: Amid allegations linking his wife, Elizabeth Gogoi, to Pakistan and his meeting with the Pakistani High Commissioner, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has dismissed the controversy as a politically motivated smear campaign ahead of the 2026 elections.
Gogoi reaffirmed that his interactions with foreign diplomats were standard diplomatic engagements as a representative of Indian democracy.
Addressing a press conference along with Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati, Gogoi said, “All my meetings with ambassadors and diplomats, including the Pakistani High Commissioner, are part of customary parliamentary duties and are already in the public domain. Even The Hindu newspaper had reported on it. This is nothing unusual.”
Regarding the government’s decision to investigate, Gogoi said, “It is up to them. If they want an inquiry, let them proceed. But they should be transparent and inform the public about the findings.”
He further revealed that the Congress legal team had already begun consultations on the issue and was prepared to take necessary steps.
Taking a jibe at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gogoi accused him of changing his stance daily out of political fear. “One day, he paints me as a villain; the next, he makes me a victim. His fear of losing power in 2026 is driving this weak and desperate attempt at propaganda,” he remarked.
Gogoi also pointed to Sarma’s demeanour in a recent press conference, saying, “Look at his eyes; he lacks confidence and courage. Something is clearly bothering him. He knows he is on shaky ground and fears what will happen when Congress returns to power in Assam.”
He further criticized the BJP-led state government for its alleged failure to address the concerns of the people over the past decade. “For ten years, Assam’s people have been questioning this government, yet they have received no answers. Himanta Biswa Sarma has been in power for nearly five years, but he has dodged accountability at every turn. After the 2026 elections, he won’t be able to escape scrutiny,” Gogoi asserted.
Expressing confidence in Congress’ prospects, he said, “Over the next 12 months, we will engage with the people directly and raise their concerns. In the end, it will be the people of Assam who emerge victorious.”
Meanwhile, Assam Congress President Bhupen Kumar Borah extended full support to Gogoi and issued a warning to police officials involved in the probe, stating that their authority was temporary and that they would face consequences if Congress came to power.
The Assam Police has registered a case against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, whom the Chief Minister alleged had links to Elizabeth Gogoi.
Assam DGP Harmeet Singh confirmed that the CID has filed charges under sections 48, 152, 61, and 197(1) of the BNS, along with Section 13(1) of the UAPA.
Singh said, “The activities of Ali Tauqeer Sheikh appear to be detrimental to national security. We are investigating whether others, possibly within India or Assam, were involved in the alleged conspiracy. The integrity of the nation is paramount, and CID will take the case forward accordingly.”
The case was registered following a state cabinet decision on February 16. However, with the timing of the allegations aligning closely with the upcoming 2026 elections, opposition leaders continue to argue that this is nothing more than a politically motivated attack designed to weaken Congress’ prospects.
