Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam Chief Minister has raised serious allegations against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, questioning his past engagements and his wife Elizabeth Colburn’s professional associations. The allegations stem from Gogoi’s reported interactions with Pakistani diplomats and his NGO’s stance on sensitive national security matters.
CM Sarma claimed that Elizabeth Colburn, wife of the Lok Sabha MP, worked under Ali Tauqeer Sheikh in the organization LEAD Pakistan, which functioned under the banner of climate change initiatives. However, CM Sarma hinted at a deeper involvement, particularly concerning Assam. CM Sarma tweeted, “The extent of this network is now emerging as far more significant and deeply entrentched than initially thought”.
The Assam CM also pointed out that following a meeting with former Pakistani Ambassador to India, Abdul Basit (2014-17), Gogoi allegedly started raising parliamentary questions related to India’s nuclear program. CM Sarma suggested that the nature and timing of these questions raise concerns about their intent and possible repercussions for national security.
“Interestingly, after India started taking a grim view of Abdul Basit’s conduct, the Hon’ble MP’s interest in defense and nuclear affairs saw a notable decline—a pattern that warrants closer scrutiny,” Sarma alleged. Further, an article published by an NGO linked to Gogoi reportedly highlighted “human rights violations” by the Border Security Force (BSF) and advocated a “compassionate approach” toward illegal Bangladeshi migrants.
CM Sarma questioned whether such narratives aligned with national security interests, especially when viewed alongside Gogoi’s past engagements with Pakistani diplomats. The CM also alleged that Gogoi had facilitated youth interactions with the Pakistani High Commissioner, hinting at possible attempts to “normalize Pakistani propaganda.”
He also questioned whether the MP visited Palestine with the sponsorship of a foreign NGO? If yes the MP should explain it, CM Sarma said. Moreover, whether the MP debriefed the external affairs ministry on his meeting with Pakistani high commissioner also needs to be explained, CM Sarma added.
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