New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday appeared to target Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, alleging that the MP raised questions in Parliament on sensitive defence issues following his marriage to a British citizen. Gogoi dismissed the claim as a “false accusation.” Sarma’s remarks came a day after the BJP accused Gogoi’s wife of having connections with Pakistan and the ISI. The deputy opposition leader in the Lok Sabha rejected the allegation, calling it “laughable and entertaining.”
“In 2015, the Pakistani High Commissioner to India, Mr Abdul Basit, invited a first-term Member of Parliament (MP) and his startup, Policy for Youth, to discuss India-Pakistan relations at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi,” Sarma said in a post on X without naming Gogoi.
‘MP not a member of Parliamentary committee’
The chief minister also said, “Notably, this MP was not a member of the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs at the time, raising questions about the intent behind his engagement.” Sarma claimed that the visit occurred “despite India’s official protest against the Pakistani High Commission’s interference in internal matters, particularly its involvement with the Hurriyat Conference”.
He further alleged that the MP disregarded these concerns and led a group of 50 to 60 young Indians to meet Pakistani officials.
“A closer examination of his parliamentary questions revealed a growing focus on sensitive defence matters, including inquiries about Coast Guard radar installations, India’s arms factories, aeronautical defence, transit routes for trade with Iran, Kashmiri students and alleged attacks on churches—marking a noticeable shift in his areas of interest.
“Interestingly, these developments occurred immediately after his marriage to a British citizen with a professional background that raises further questions,” Sarma alleged.
The chief minister also said that before marrying Gogoi, she had worked for an American senator with strong connections to the Pakistani establishment. “…and later (she) spent time in Pakistan, employed by an organisation widely believed to be a front for the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The timing of these events adds another layer of intrigue to the MP’s evolving political stance and actions,” Sarma alleged.
Gogoi dismisses allegations
Gaurav Gogoi dismissed BJP’s allegations about his wife’s links to Pakistan and ISI as “laughable” and a diversion from real issues. He accused Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma of running a smear campaign due to land scam reports. Gogoi vowed to focus on unemployment, inflation and Manipur’s unrest.
