Guwahati, Feb 17: In a fiery rebuttal to allegations linking his wife, Elizabeth Gogoi, to Pakistan, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi dismissed the controversy as a politically driven smear campaign orchestrated ahead of the 2026 elections.
Labelling the accusations as a “weak and desperate attempt at propaganda”, Gogoi reaffirmed that his meetings with foreign diplomats—including the Pakistani High Commissioner—were standard diplomatic engagements in his role as a parliamentarian.
Addressing a press conference alongside Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah at Rajiv Bhawan, Gogoi was firm in his defence: “Every meeting I’ve had with ambassadors and diplomats, including the Pakistani High Commissioner, is public knowledge. Even The Hindu reported on it. This is nothing unusual.”
As the Assam government announced an investigation into the matter, Gogoi responded bluntly: “If they want an inquiry, let them proceed. But they should be transparent and inform the public about the findings.”
He also revealed that the Congress legal team was already preparing its next course of action, signalling that the party would fight the allegations both politically and legally.
Taking a direct swipe at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gogoi accused him of shifting narratives 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 clear. That’s why he is resorting to such baseless propaganda.”
Referring to Sarma’s recent public appearances, Gogoi said: “Look into his eyes—he lacks confidence and courage. Something is clearly bothering him. He knows the ground beneath him is slipping, and he fears what will happen when Congress returns to power in Assam.”
He further lambasted the BJP-led government for failing to address key public issues over the past decade. “For ten years, Assam’s people have been questioning this government, but they have received no answers. Himanta Biswa Sarma has been in power for nearly five years, yet he has dodged accountability at every turn. After 2026, he won’t be able to escape scrutiny.”
Gogoi exuded confidence in Congress’ resurgence, declaring: “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 strong warning to police officials involved in the probe, cautioning them that their authority was temporary and they would face consequences if Congress came to power.
The Assam Police has registered a case against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, whom Chief Minister Sarma 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, stating: “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 case was registered following a state cabinet decision on February 16, but the timing—so close to the 2026 elections—has fueled opposition claims that this is nothing more than a political vendetta aimed at weakening Congress.
With the battle lines drawn, the controversy is likely to intensify in the run-up to the high-stakes Assam Assembly elections.
Read: Historic First: Assam Holds Budget Session in Kokrajhar, Unveiling Bold Vision for Growth
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