Wife went for climate project, I visited once: Gaurav Gogoi on Pak link claim
Congress MP and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday pushed back against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's allegations linking him and his wife to Pakistan's ISI. Gogoi said that his wife had spent some time in Pakistan while working on an international project on climate change, and he had gone with her once in 2013.Responding to BJP's claim that he secretly visited Pakistan and underwent 'training' there, Gogoi said, 'About 14-15 years ago, my wife, who is a well-known expert in public policy, worked on an international project in South Asia focused on climate change. She spent one year there, including some time in Pakistan, before returning to India around 2012-13. I also remember going with her once around 2013.'advertisement'They are making an issue of it as their work is only demeaning,' Gogoi added. He dismissed the row as 'a C-grade Bollywood movie' scripted by the BJP.
Taking a swipe at Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gogoi said that the BJP leader 'has this old habit of deceiving people'.He referred to Himanta Biswa Sarma's previous claim that Rahul Gandhi was using a "body double" for his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in 2024.'Now, as he is making false allegations against me, I believe he thinks of my 'body double' too,' Gogoi was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.In response to Gogoi's remarks on Wednesday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a fresh statement, saying: 'Finally, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has admitted that he visited Pakistan. But let us be very clear — this is just the beginning, not the end.'advertisementClaiming that 'credible inputs and documented information' point to Gogoi's proximity with the Pakistani establishment, Sarma said the Assam government would make everything public on September 10 once a Special Investigation Team concludes its inquiry.'The people of Assam and the nation deserve the truth — and they shall have it, in full,' he added, warning that the Congress and Rahul Gandhi would be held accountable for promoting a 'compromised individual'.GAURAV GOGOI VS HIMANTA BISWA SARMAHimanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly alleged that Gaurav Gogoi's wife, Elizabeth Colburn, has links to Pakistan's spy agency. Sarma alleged that Colburn made 19 trips between India and Pakistan and had connections with the Pakistani Army and ISI.Sarma also accused Gogoi of visiting Pakistan on the invitation of the ISI and undergoing training there. He claimed Gogoi received an invitation letter from Pakistan's Home Department and stayed there for 15 days without informing Indian authorities.The Assam Chief Minister said Gogoi opposed the Rafale deal after returning from Pakistan and further alleged that his wife received a salary from a Pakistan-based NGO while working in India.Himanta Biswa Sarma has offered to resign as Assam Chief Minister if any of his claims are proven false and said the SIT's findings would be revealed by September 10.advertisementGaurav Gogoi has dismissed the allegations, calling them 'ridiculous, baseless and nonsense'. He questioned why the Centre — which he said was aware of his visit — took no issue with it at the time.'Since becoming an MP in 2014, I have followed all official protocols, submitted all my passports and used a diplomatic passport. Every detail is documented and available with the relevant authorities,' Gogoi said.He accused Sarma of trying to 'run from the public and avoid responsibility' by deferring evidence to September 10. He also demanded two SITs led by retired judges — one to investigate him and another to probe the Chief Minister.He accused Himanta Biswa Sarma of targeting his late father, former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, and even his minor grandchildren out of 'deep insecurity'.'I am the son of Tarun Gogoi. I will not be intimidated. The truth will prevail,' Gaurav Gogoi said.Must Watch
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