Guwahati, February 13, 2024 – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ignited a fresh political controversy by questioning whether Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi visited the West Bank with the assistance of a US-based NGO. Sarma took to X (formerly Twitter) to indirectly reference Gogoi, asking if he had traveled to cities like Nablus, Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, Nazareth, and Bethlehem.
Citing national security concerns, Sarma demanded transparency about the NGO involved, stating, “We have a legitimate right to ask this question.” The statement has fueled speculation, with the opposition yet to issue a formal response.
The controversy surrounding Gaurav Gogoi, the Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, intensified on February 10 when unverified claims surfaced on social media and local Assam media. These allegations suggested that Gogoi’s British-born wife, Elizabeth Colebourn, had ties to Pakistani intelligence agencies and George Soros’ Open Society Foundations.
The situation escalated on February 12 when CM Sarma amplified these claims, insinuating foreign interference and questioning Gogoi’s commitment to national security. Political analysts view this as a strategic move, especially in light of Gogoi’s previous corruption allegations against Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.
Sarma further alleged that Gogoi, after meeting former Pakistani Ambassador Md Abdul Basit (2014-17), began raising parliamentary questions that could have extracted confidential information about India’s nuclear program.
“Given the sensitive nature of these inquiries, the timing is particularly significant, raising serious concerns about the intent and broader implications behind such questions,” Sarma remarked. He also noted that Gogoi’s interest in defence and nuclear affairs declined after India took a strict stance against Basit’s activities, a pattern he believes warrants scrutiny.
In response, Gaurav Gogoi dismissed the allegations as “malicious and baseless.” Taking to X, he stated, “The BJP has gone to extreme steps to defame me and my family. Their allegations are malicious and baseless. I will be taking the appropriate legal action.”
The escalating war of words between Sarma and Gogoi has set the stage for a fierce political battle, with both sides digging in for a prolonged confrontation. As the controversy unfolds, questions about transparency, national security, and political motives remain at the forefront.
