Himanta targets Gaurav Gogoi: ‘He never criticised Pakistan during the peak of conflict’

A political row has broken out over the inclusion of a Congress Member of Parliament (MP) from Assam in an all-party delegation tasked with engaging global stakeholders on Pakistan's alleged role in sponsoring cross-border terrorism.

The delegation, meant to visit several countries to expose Pakistan's actions, has come under scrutiny after concerns were raised about the past conduct and affiliations of the MP in question. 

Addressing the media, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged that the Congress MP, Gaurav Gogoi, has never publicly criticised Pakistan—even during periods of heightened tension—and instead has made only indirect remarks through social media platforms.

Further raising eyebrows, Assam CM claimed that the Congress MP had previously visited Pakistan. 

Also Read: Himanta objects to Gaurav Gogoi's role in "sensitive assignment", flags Pakistan link

Although the MP has not denied the visit, questions remain over the purpose and details of the trip. Adding fuel to the controversy, it has been alleged that the MP’s spouse received payments over a two-year period from a Pakistan-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) allegedly linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI.

Meanwhile, Himanta Biswa Sarma via social media, urged Rahul Gandhi to reconsider the MP’s inclusion in the sensitive delegation. 

"One of the MPs named in the list ( from Assam ) has not denied his prolonged stay in Pakistan—reportedly for two weeks—and credible documents show that his wife was drawing salary from a Pakistan-based NGO while working in India. In the interest of national security and beyond partisan politics, I urge the leader of the opposition Sri Rahul Gandhi, not to include this individual in such a sensitive and strategic assignment," the leader questioned in a strongly-worded tweet.