Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for commenting on an ongoing investigation into alleged links between Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and Pakistan. Khera questioned the chief minister’s involvement in the probe.
Khera Questions CM’s Role
Speaking to ANI, Khera said:
- “Who is the Chief Minister to interfere? Does he want to influence or manipulate the report?”
- “What is he doing? Is anyone afraid of him? He is an outgoing Chief Minister,” Khera added.
The key takeaway: Khera accused Sarma of trying to affect the SIT investigation and politicizing the matter.
SIT Report Submitted
- The Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed in February to probe alleged anti-India activities of Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.
- The SIT includes senior officers Munna Prasad Gupta, Rosie Kalita, Pranabjyoti Goswami, and Maitrayee Deka.
- On September 10, the SIT submitted its report to CM Sarma.
Step 1: The SIT report is expected to be examined by the Assam government before being made public.
CM Sarma’s Statement
- Sarma posted on X (formerly Twitter) claiming the probe revealed “startling facts” pointing to a broader conspiracy against India’s sovereignty.
- He mentioned a British national, married to an Indian MP, as being involved in the alleged activities of Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.
- Sarma also said Pakistan’s interior ministry had allegedly arranged a visit for an Assam MP to Pakistan, without naming the MP.
Step 2: CM Sarma highlighted potential international connections in the probe but avoided naming Gogoi directly.
Gaurav Gogoi’s Response
- Gogoi denied all allegations, calling the investigation politically motivated.
- He confirmed a trip to Pakistan in 2013 when his wife, Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi, was working on a climate project.
- He said the allegations were an attempt to malign him, comparing the matter to a “C-grade movie that will flop once the SIT report is out.”
The key takeaway: Gogoi insists the claims are false and politically driven.
Key Points to Note
| Aspect | Details |
| Investigation | Conducted by Assam SIT since February 2025 |
| Allegations | Links between Gaurav Gogoi, Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, and a British national |
| CM Sarma’s claim | “Startling facts” indicating a conspiracy |
| Gogoi’s stance | Denies all charges; calls it politically motivated |
| Next steps | SIT report to be examined by Assam Cabinet before public release |
Political Tensions
- Khera’s remarks come amid growing political tensions in Assam.
- Opposition accuses the CM of interfering in legal matters to target political rivals.
- The SIT report’s findings are expected to be reviewed by the state cabinet before being shared publicly.
In summary: The controversy highlights clashes between political accountability and ongoing investigations in Assam. Khera’s criticism and Gogoi’s denial set the stage for further debate once the report is officially released.
Step 3: Monitor the SIT report for verified facts before drawing conclusions.
The key takeaway: Until then, political reactions may dominate media narratives, but official findings will clarify the situation.
