Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday took a dig at Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, saying he should have been assigned to the India-Pakistan parliamentary friendship group instead of the India-Philippines panel.
Sarma made the remark while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Mariani in Jorhat district. “He should have been given the India-Pakistan group. By mistake, he was given the India-Philippines group. It would have worked well,” the Chief Minister said, intensifying the political exchange between the BJP and Congress in Assam.
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Parliamentary Panel Announcement Sparks Row
The controversy erupted after Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla issued a notification on Monday constituting parliamentary friendship groups with more than 60 countries. The notification named Gogoi, the Jorhat MP and Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, as head of the India-Philippines parliamentary friendship group.
Parliamentary friendship groups aim to strengthen diplomatic ties and foster cooperation between India and other nations through dialogue and exchanges among lawmakers.
However, Sarma’s comments shifted the focus from diplomacy to domestic politics. His remark quickly triggered reactions from the Assam Congress unit.
Congress Accuses CM of “Malicious Campaign”
The Assam Congress responded strongly to the Chief Minister’s statement. The party shared the official notification on social media platform X and accused Sarma of running a “malicious campaign” against Gogoi.
In its statement, the party said, “The people of Assam will give an appropriate answer to the chief minister in due course.” Congress leaders argued that Sarma continues to make personal and politically motivated attacks instead of focusing on governance.
The exchange adds another chapter to the ongoing rivalry between Sarma and Gogoi, both prominent political figures in Assam.
BJP Raises Allegations Over Pakistan Links
The BJP and Sarma have previously alleged that Gogoi maintains links with Pakistan through his British wife, Elizabeth Colburn. The allegations surfaced amid speculation surrounding the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.
To examine the claims, authorities formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The probe focused on alleged interference by Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, who reportedly has professional associations with Colburn.
Earlier this month, Sarma cited inputs from the SIT and the Intelligence Bureau. He claimed the findings pointed to a “deeper connection” among Gogoi, Colburn, and Sheikh. The Chief Minister asserted that the matter raises serious concerns and warrants public scrutiny.
Gogoi Rejects Charges as Baseless
Gogoi dismissed the allegations outright. He described them as “mindless and bogus” and accused the Chief Minister of attempting to divert public attention.
Reacting to Sarma’s earlier press conference, Gogoi said it resembled “worse than C-grade cinema” and called it a “super flop.” He maintained that the BJP has failed to produce credible evidence to support its claims.
The Congress MP has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has accused the ruling party of using personal attacks to gain political advantage.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Elections
The latest exchange underscores rising political tensions in Assam as parties gear up for future electoral battles. Both Sarma and Gogoi hold significant influence in the state’s political landscape, and their rivalry continues to shape public discourse.
While parliamentary friendship groups typically operate beyond partisan lines, the India-Philippines panel appointment has now become a flashpoint in Assam’s political debate.
As the SIT probe and political rhetoric continue, observers expect further statements from both sides. For now, Sarma’s remarks and the Congress response have kept the issue firmly in the spotlight, highlighting the sharp divide between the BJP and the Congress in the state.
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