Assam CM Challenged on Land, Bangladesh Trips and Singapore Link

Guwahati: The political controversy surrounding Congress MP and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi’s 2013 Pakistan visit has escalated into a high-voltage national debate after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma raised a series of allegations, followed by Gogoi’s rebuttal and a fresh political counter-offensive that has now placed the Chief Minister under mounting pressure.

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President and MP Gaurav Gogoi today placed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a situation akin to “applying lime to a wound.” After keeping the SIT report with him for six months and then, on 8 February, flying in national-level journalists from New Delhi to organise a grand press conference, it has now been proven that the event was a “flop show.” Today, taking full responsibility, Gaurav Gogoi presented all facts before the people of Assam and the media.

Increasing pressure on the Chief Minister, Gogoi, with MPs Pradyut Bordoloi and Rakibul Hussain present, attempted to respond to all questions raised by the public and the media regarding the allegations.

Questions Over Six-Month Delay on SIT Report

Gogoi questioned why the Chief Minister remained silent for six months on a report that allegedly posed a national security threat. He asked why the report was not made public earlier and why it was not forwarded to the Centre for approval, arguing that the delay suggests the SIT failed to find any incriminating evidence.

He accused the Chief Minister of staging a political drama after realising that the allegations could not be substantiated.

Contradictions in Pakistan Visit Allegations

Gogoi pointed to inconsistencies in Sarma’s claims regarding his Pakistan visit, stating that the Chief Minister initially said the visit lasted 15 days, later said 10 days, and shifted the timeline from a recent visit to a 2013 trip. He also questioned claims that the visit was secret, noting that Sarma later acknowledged that he travelled via the Attari border.

He stated that he travelled through legal procedures, submitted his passport to the Central government in 2014, and later received a diplomatic passport, adding that the Modi government has all records of his travel.

He explained that his wife was posted in Pakistan under an international organisation funded by British and Dutch governments and that he accompanied her as her husband, visiting archaeological and public places.

Personal and Family Remarks Trigger Political Backlash

Reacting strongly to remarks on the citizenship and religion of his children, Gogoi accused the Chief Minister of dragging minors into political controversy and warned of possible legal action under child protection laws.

He stated that his wife had left her country to work in India and that his children would decide their citizenship when they turn 18.

Land and Corporate Deal Allegations Against CM

Gogoi alleged that the Chief Minister was diverting attention from issues related to 12,000 bighas of land owned by the Chief Minister and his family and 40,000 bighas of land handed over to corporate groups such as Adani, Ambani, and Patanjali.

He accused Sarma of inflating baseless allegations to divert attention from governance issues and corruption allegations.

Cattle Smuggling Allegation Against CM

Gogoi also accused the Chief Minister of benefiting from cattle smuggling syndicates and questioned his political positioning on religious issues. Challenging Sarma, he said the Chief Minister should shut down cattle smuggling networks if he genuinely claims to be a Hindu leader.

Singapore–Zubeen Garg Reference Raises Fresh Counter-Questions

Gogoi questioned who among those close to the Chief Minister were present in Singapore after the death of singer Zubeen Garg and demanded clarification, suggesting that foreign links and travel of people close to the Chief Minister should also be scrutinised.

Bangladesh Photo and Foreign Visit Questions

Gogoi released a photograph of the Chief Minister with a Bangladeshi Maulvi and alleged that CM Sarma had visited Bangladesh multiple times, challenging him to explain the context of the photograph and the purpose of his visits.

He accused the Chief Minister of opportunistic religious posturing and selective targeting.

Allegations on Salary and National Security Claims

Gogoi denied allegations of receiving salary from Pakistan, stating that his wife received salary from a Pakistani NGO for only one month after returning to India, under an internationally funded project, and that all disclosures were made during elections.

He rejected claims of sharing Indian information with Pakistan, stating that his wife’s reports were based on publicly available information and not classified intelligence.

He also defended raising national security questions in Parliament, stating that all parliamentary questions undergo scrutiny and that any sensitive question would be rejected by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Criticism of SIT Process and Parliamentary Allegations

Gogoi questioned why the SIT never summoned him despite submitting its report and said he would have cooperated fully. He criticised allegations that his parliamentary questions endangered national security and accused the Chief Minister of not understanding parliamentary procedures.

Political Escalation Ahead of 2026 Elections

Former APCC president Bhupen Kumar Bora termed Gogoi’s press conference an “Anti-Ballistic Missile” and said the Chief Minister’s political strategy had failed, adding that the 2026 Assembly elections had effectively begun.

Rakibul Hussain stated that Congress would consider legal action over attacks on minor children.

Also Read: 'Takshashila' Twist: Gogoi’s Pakistan Trip Back in Spotlight After 13 Years