Sun Feb 08 10:13:17 UTC 2026: # Sarma Alleges Gogoi Has “Deeper Connection” to Pakistan, Triggering Political Storm in Assam

The Story:
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, his British wife Elizabeth Colburn, and Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh of a “deeper connection” involving the secret provision of information to Pakistan and violation of FCRA rules. Addressing a press conference on February 8, 2026, ahead of the Assembly polls, Sarma claimed Colburn’s salary was paid by Sheikh, bypassing regulations, and that Gogoi undertook a “very confidential” visit to Pakistan in 2013, possibly for training.

Gogoi vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing Sarma’s claims as “worse than a C-grade cinema” and a “super flop.” The accusations have triggered a significant political backlash, with Sarma calling for a national probe by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and threatening to seek cancellation of Colburn’s OCI/VISA.

Key Points:

  • Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged a “deeper connection” between Gaurav Gogoi, Elizabeth Colburn, and Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.
  • Sarma claimed Colburn received salary from Sheikh in violation of FCRA rules, using funds transferred from Lead Pakistan to Lead India.
  • Gogoi allegedly made a “very confidential visit” to Pakistan in 2013, sparking suspicion of training.
  • Colburn allegedly provided information from IB sources to Sheikh regarding climate action in India after Narendra Modi came to power, sending a 45-page report.
  • Sarma stated Colburn visited Pakistan multiple times, always through the Attari border.
  • Sarma claims Ali Tauqeer Sheikh visited India 13 times from 2010 to 2013 during the UPA tenure.
  • Gogoi dismissed the accusations as “worse than a C-grade cinema.”
  • Sarma announced that the Assam government will seek cancellation of Colburn’s OCI/VISA.

Critical Analysis:

The timing of these allegations, just before the Assam Assembly polls, suggests a calculated political strategy by CM Sarma. By linking a prominent opposition figure like Gaurav Gogoi to Pakistan, Sarma is likely attempting to polarize the electorate and consolidate support for the BJP. The repeated emphasis on the alleged FCRA violations and connections to Pakistani entities feeds into a narrative of national security being compromised, a potent theme in Indian politics.

Key Takeaways:

  • The allegations raise serious questions about potential foreign influence and FCRA violations.
  • The timing of the accusations suggests a political motive ahead of Assembly polls.
  • The case highlights the sensitivity surrounding perceived connections to Pakistan in Indian politics.
  • The accusations are likely to deepen the political divide between the BJP and the Congress party in Assam.
  • The Assam government is seeking a national probe and visa cancellation for Colburn, indicating the seriousness with which they are treating the allegations.

Impact Analysis:

This event series is significant due to its potential to reshape the political landscape in Assam and beyond. The accusations against Gaurav Gogoi, if proven true, could severely damage his political career and tarnish the reputation of the Congress party. The call for a national probe could lead to further investigations and potentially expose wider networks of alleged illegal financial transactions and foreign influence. Regardless of the veracity of the claims, the controversy is likely to have a lasting impact on the upcoming Assembly elections and the broader political discourse in India. The outcome of the probe and subsequent legal proceedings will be closely watched, setting a precedent for how similar allegations are handled in the future.

Read More

Related News: