Sun Feb 08 13:34:35 UTC 2026: ### Sarma Accuses Gogoi of Pakistan Links Ahead of Assam Assembly Elections

The Story: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a scathing attack on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, alleging “suspicious” links to Pakistan. The accusations, made during a press conference on February 8, 2026, center around Gogoi’s December 2013 visit to Pakistan and his wife, Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi’s, past professional association with a climate organization in Pakistan. Sarma’s move comes as Assam prepares for Assembly elections expected by April 2026. The Chief Minister is demanding that Gogoi disclose details of his Pakistan trip and explain his wife’s financial dealings with Pakistani entities.

Key Points:

  • Sarma questioned Gogoi’s December 14-24, 2013, visit to Pakistan, claiming he maintained “digital silence” during this time.
  • Sarma claims Gogoi’s visa itinerary was modified upon arrival in Pakistan, allowing him to visit Islamabad and Karachi, raising suspicions of potential “indoctrination.”
  • He raised concerns about questions Gogoi posed in Parliament related to national security, suggesting they might have been influenced during his Pakistan trip.
  • Sarma alleges Elizabeth Gogoi’s salary from LEAD Pakistan, funneled through LEAD India, bypassed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act guidelines and that she reported to a Pakistani advisor with links to the armed forces.
  • Sarma asserts Elizabeth Gogoi sent confidential policy reports, potentially containing sensitive Intelligence Bureau information, to Pakistan.
  • The Assam Cabinet has decided to hand the case over to the Ministry of Home Affairs, requesting a national-level investigation.

Critical Analysis:
The timing of these accusations, just before the Assam Assembly elections, suggests a politically motivated attack aimed at discrediting Gaurav Gogoi and the Congress party. Sarma’s detailed allegations, including specific dates, names, and financial figures, indicate a well-prepared campaign, potentially fueled by the SIT report. The historical context of Sarma joining the BJP after a fallout with Gogoi’s father further underscores the personal and political dimensions of this conflict. The mention of “Bombshell Report In Pak Links Case” and “deeper connection” supports that the accusations are serious.

Key Takeaways:

  • The accusations against Gaurav Gogoi are likely to become a major point of contention in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.
  • The case highlights the sensitivity surrounding relations with Pakistan and the potential for these issues to be exploited for political gain.
  • The involvement of national security agencies suggests the allegations are being taken seriously by the Indian government.
  • The accusations are based on an SIT report from September 2025, raising questions about the timing of its public release.
  • The Chief Minister’s actions are being criticized by Gogoi as a distraction tactic from the government’s own failures.

Impact Analysis:

The allegations and the subsequent national-level investigation have the potential for long-term repercussions. Depending on the findings, Gogoi’s political career could be severely damaged. The case could also further strain relations between India and Pakistan, as well as potentially leading to stricter regulations regarding foreign contributions and cross-border collaborations. The request to cancel Elizabeth Gogoi’s OCI visa indicates that the Indian government is prepared to take decisive action. It may impact climate change initiatives in the region if Pakistani climate organizations have a bad reputation in India.

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