Himanta, Gogoi trade barbs over rifle video, Pak visit

In the now-deleted video, the CM appeared to fire a rifle at two figures portrayed with distinct religious markers. It was accompanied by a caption that mentioned the phrase “point-blank shot”.

Arguing that such visuals could promote hatred and violence, Gogoi said that the content targeted a specific community, and urged the police to take suo motu cognisance of the matter. The video was later taken down by the ruling party.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, the Congress MP said the circulation of such content by those in positions of power raised serious concerns and accused the CM of lowering the level of political discourse in the state.

Talking about the controversy about his family’s alleged links with Pakistan, Gogoi said he was exploring legal options after his minor children were dragged into the controversy. He called the disclosure of personal details “unacceptable” and urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter.

Issuing a clarification about their said visit to Pakistan, Gogoi said his wife had travelled to Pakistan in 2013 for work-related reasons and he had accompanied her on a 10-day visit later that year with due permissions.

Even as Gogoi’s press conference was underway, Sarma took to social media to seek what he described as a “clear and transparent explanation” regarding the Congress leader’s visit to Taxila.

“Taxila is located in Rawalpindi district, while Gogoi’s visa permitted travel only to Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. How the Congress leader travelled to an area outside the specified locations and who facilitated the visit,” Sarma asked, adding that the issue assumed significance as Rawalpindi also houses the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters.

Gogoi said Taxila was a recognised tourist destination and that visiting it did not amount to any wrongdoing. He accused the CM of attempting to divert public attention from governance issues and corruption allegations.

The Congress leader further claimed that the SIT constituted to examine the matter had failed to produce any evidence against him. He also questioned why the CM had held on to the SIT report for several months if the issue genuinely involved national security.