Guwahati, Feb 24 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressed his views on the recent appointment of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi as the President of the India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group, delivering a pointed political jab at the prominent Congress figure.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has established Parliamentary Friendship Groups with 64 nations and has assigned senior Opposition leaders to oversee several of these groups. Each group consists of 11 members, including those from the Rajya Sabha.

Sarma's remarks followed shortly after the Lok Sabha Secretariat officially announced Gogoi's nomination as the President of the India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group for the 18th Lok Sabha.

This Friendship Group is designed to enhance parliamentary collaboration and engagement between the two democratic nations.

Regarding Gogoi’s new role, Sarma commented that it would have been more suitable for him to assume responsibilities pertaining to Pakistan.

“Giving Gaurav Gogoi the task for Pakistan would have been more appropriate. He could have managed relations with Pakistan as well,” the Chief Minister stated sarcastically.

These comments are viewed as part of the ongoing political rivalry between the BJP and Congress in Assam, where political tensions have escalated as the 2026 Assembly elections approach.

Sarma has consistently critiqued Gogoi, often challenging the Congress leader’s political stance and responses to national and global issues.

A communication from the Conference and Protocol Branch of the Lok Sabha Secretariat indicated that a Parliamentary Friendship Group between India and the Philippines has been formed for the current Lok Sabha term to bolster parliamentary engagement between the two countries. “In this context, the Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha is pleased to nominate you as the President of the India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group,” the correspondence addressed to Gogoi noted.

This letter, dated February 23, was issued by L.V. Ramana, Director of the Conference and Protocol Branch at the Lok Sabha Secretariat, and bears the official reference number 35/04/2026/C&P. Parliamentary Friendship Groups serve as informal platforms within Parliament to promote bilateral relations, facilitate discussions between legislators, and enhance mutual understanding on shared concerns.

These groups often play a crucial role in strengthening interpersonal and institutional connections alongside formal diplomatic efforts.

India and the Philippines are increasingly cooperating across various sectors, including defense, maritime security, trade, education, and cultural exchanges. Parliamentary interactions are regarded as vital in furthering bilateral relations between the two democracies.