Assam CM Critiques Gaurav Gogoi Over Pakistan Visit
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Synopsis
On April 24, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma indirectly criticized Gaurav Gogoi over alleged ties to Pakistan, stating he spent 15 days there without government notification. The CM hinted at further inquiries regarding Gogoi's connections and his wife's salary from Pakistan during their stay in Delhi.
Key Takeaways
- Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma indirectly criticized Gaurav Gogoi.
- Gogoi allegedly stayed in Pakistan for 15 days without informing authorities.
- His wife reportedly received a salary from Pakistan for three years.
- SIT is investigating links with Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.
- Political upheaval expected by September.
Guwahati, April 24 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday made an indirect criticism of Gaurav Gogoi regarding the latter’s connections with Pakistan; however, he refrained from directly naming the Congress MP.
He stated: “One Lok Sabha MP from Assam representing the Congress Party traveled to Pakistan and remained there for 15 days without notifying the Government of India. He also visited Nepal during a time when the country was a hotspot for the Pakistan intelligence agency ISI. We will summon the MP in June or July to seek clarification regarding his travels.”
Sarma further alleged that Gogoi’s wife received a salary from Pakistan for three years while residing in Delhi.
“The wife of the Congress MP was drawing a salary from Pakistan while living in Delhi. This arrangement lasted for three years, and we have corroborated this through an SIT investigation. Many of her associates have verified this information,” he added.
Previously, Sarma had predicted that a political upheaval would occur in the state by September this year due to Gaurav Gogoi’s alleged connections with Pakistan.
“The SIT has uncovered numerous leads regarding the connections of several Indian nationals with Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. The SIT has also identified multiple associations of Ali Sheikh within India, and more disclosures will surface in the coming days,” the Chief Minister stated.
He also mentioned that the SIT has been instructed to conclude the investigation by September this year.
“By September, many more revelations will emerge. I assure you that the state will face a political storm,” he said.
Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh has been implicated in an FIR by the Assam Police for his alleged involvement in undermining communal harmony. It is claimed that Ali Tauqeer Sheikh had connections with Gaurav Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Gogoi, who reportedly traveled to Pakistan at Ali Sheikh’s invitation.
The SIT team has interrogated two staff members at the British High Commission to gather information regarding their associations with Ali Sheikh.
Ali Sheikh is under scrutiny for his suspected role in obtaining sensitive information related to national security. The SIT team has also questioned an environmental scientist in this matter.
Sarma reported that the SIT has made significant progress in its preliminary investigation.
He noted, “The SIT has uncovered substantial evidence concerning Ali Sheikh’s numerous visits to India and his contentious social media posts showcasing extensive interest in Assam’s politics. Sheikh traveled to India with a Pakistani delegation that included that country's Attorney General.”
He added that Ali Sheikh made frequent visits to India until 2018 and opted for modest accommodations to avoid drawing public attention.
“We are investigating the entire ecosystem related to Ali Sheikh. If necessary, we will seek assistance from Interpol. We have also briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the ongoing developments,” he stated.
A four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to probe the alleged Pakistani affiliations of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and his wife, Elizabeth Gogoi.
