Himanta Biswa Sarma Warns Gaurav Gogoi Over Alleged Pakistan Visit, Calls It a ‘Crime’
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi had visited Pakistan, calling such a trip a criminal act.
“Gaurav Gogoi is not God. Gaurav Gogoi should have answered whether he had visited Pakistan or not,” Sarma said while speaking to the media.
Sarma claimed that if the state could arrest 40 individuals for allegedly supporting Pakistan, action could also be taken against Gogoi.
He questioned the MP on whether he had altered his children’s citizenship status in consultation with them and asked why Gogoi’s wife had traveled to Pakistan 19 times. “If he doesn’t answer, then Himanta Biswa Sarma knows very well how to get the answer,” he warned.
Allegations of NGO Ties and Family Citizenship
Sarma also alleged that Gogoi’s wife receives a salary from a Pakistan-based NGO while residing and working in India.
“Going to Pakistan is a crime. There are no Kaziranga, Manas, or Orang (national parks) in Pakistan. Whose house in Pakistan did he go to? He will have to inform us,” Sarma said. He asserted that the Assam government, Special Investigation Team (SIT), and himself know how to extract the answers.
He added that the government was investigating Gogoi’s alleged 15-day stay in Pakistan. “It is 100 per cent confirmed that he went there, but what did he do there in 15 days? Robert Vadra and Gaurav Gogoi are more concerned about Pakistan than India,” he claimed.
Social Media Questions and Public Challenge
Earlier in the week, the Chief Minister posted a series of pointed questions on social media.
“Questions for the Hon’ble Member of Parliament from the Congress Party: 1. Did you visit Pakistan for a continuous period of 15 days? If so, could you kindly clarify the purpose of your visit? 2. Does your wife indeed receive a salary from a Pakistan-based NGO while residing and working in India? 3. What is the citizenship status of your wife and your two children?” he wrote.
Gogoi Responds: Focus on Assam’s Children, Not My Family
In response, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi slammed Sarma for focusing on his family instead of urgent state matters. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Gogoi said, “The Chief Minister is concerned about my children. That is his choice, his prerogative. I am concerned with the welfare of the children of Assam.”
Gogoi criticised Sarma for ignoring issues such as rising school dropout rates, child labour, and poor infrastructure in government schools.
“Children are so impoverished that they are being forced into labour. I take responsibility for addressing these issues as a member of the Congress party,” he said.
Political Tensions Intensify
The accusations and rebuttals have further strained political relations between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in Assam.
The verbal exchange began days after the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people and has heightened political and national security sensitivities.
Sarma reiterated his stance, saying Gogoi was not above scrutiny or the law. “Gaurav Gogoi is not God for me. He is a criminal. In my view, going to Pakistan is a crime,” he declared.
He demanded transparency regarding Gogoi’s alleged foreign visits and the citizenship status of his family members. “How do you find out the answer? The Assam government, Assam SIT, and Himanta Biswa Sarma know it well,” he added.
Congress Leader Deflects, Demands Focus on State Issues
Dismissing Sarma’s statements as political distractions, Gogoi reiterated his dedication to addressing real issues.
He asked if the Chief Minister would resign if he proved his child holds Indian citizenship. “I am concerned with the welfare of the children of Assam,” Gogoi repeated.
The war of words has not only dominated Assam’s political discourse but has also raised questions about the use of personal attacks in public office and the handling of allegations involving national security.
As both parties stand firm on their respective narratives, the political temperature in Assam continues to rise.
