Gogoi acknowledges 2013 trip to Pakistan

After being elevated as Assam PCC chief ahead of the Assembly poll scheduled next year, Deputy Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday publicly acknowledged his Pakistan visit over a decade ago.

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Gogoi’s remarks came amid relentlessly being targeted by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma over alleged links with the Pakistan establishment. Gogoi clarified that his 2013 trip to Pakistan was tied to his wife’s professional assignment. Gogoi said, “Even I, 11-12 years ago in 2013, went to Pakistan along with my wife. Based on this, the Assam CM is trying to make a ‘C-grade’ movie that will be released on September 10.”

He emphasised that his wife’s professional obligations as a public policy analyst took them to Pakistan for a climate project.

Following Gogoi’s remarks, the Assam CM Sarma countered Gogoi’s admission with grave allegations and termed his statement as an “admission” of Gogoi’s ties with the Pakistan establishment.

“There exists every reasonable ground, supported by credible inputs and documented information to suggest that Gogoi has maintained proximity with the Pakistani establishment,” Sarma posted on X.

Sarma also promised to unveil explosive findings from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on September 10.

Gogoi also pushed back against the allegations, questioning the timing and motives behind their emergence.

Sarma’s allegations also extended to the Congress party and Leader of Opposition(LOP) in Parliament Rahul Gandhi, as he accused both of promoting a compromised individual into public life.

Meanwhile, Gogoi insisted on the transparency of his public record, questioning the lack of action from the government and investigation agencies over the past decade.