From Sheikh to ISI: Allegations Against Gaurav Gogoi and His Wife Elizabeth Stir Up Controversy

New Delhi, Feb 15 (NationPress) The controversy surrounding Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s wife Elizabeth’s alleged ties to the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI is escalating as Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP leaders persist in voicing their concerns.

In a series of posts on X, Sarma has intensified his criticism of Gogoi, accusing him of engagements that could jeopardize national security. The allegations focus on Elizabeth Colburn, a British citizen, and her extensive history of working with organizations purportedly linked to Pakistani agencies. Sarma claims that Elizabeth, despite her marriage to Gogoi, maintained her UK citizenship for 12 years and collaborated closely with individuals connected to the ISI.

The BJP's narrative features several critical allegations.

Elizabeth's non-Indian citizenship: Sarma has raised significant questions about why Elizabeth, after 12 years of marriage to an Indian national, has not opted for Indian citizenship.

Ties to Pakistani officials: It is claimed that Elizabeth worked for LEAD Pakistan, an organization allegedly associated with Pakistani government interests, including military and intelligence services. Sarma has highlighted her prolonged stay in Islamabad and her close working relationship with Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, a figure reportedly affiliated with Pakistan's planning commission and linked to the ISI.

Gaurav Gogoi's engagement with Pakistan High Commission: The BJP is also scrutinizing Gogoi's visit to the Pakistan High Commission in 2015, despite India's objections regarding Pakistan's meddling in internal affairs. Sarma asserts that at that time, Gogoi was a first-term MP lacking any official foreign policy credentials.

Suspicious political shift: Following his meetings with Pakistani officials, Gaurav Gogoi reportedly redirected his political focus, with his NGO and parliamentary inquiries appearing to center on issues concerning India's defense and military, particularly sensitive topics like military installations and defense strategies.

In response, Gaurav Gogoi has staunchly denied the allegations, labeling them as part of a smear campaign ahead of Assam's 2026 elections. He dismissed the assertion of his wife's ISI connections as “laughable” and claimed these allegations are politically driven.

The controversy also encompasses various organizations and individuals with whom Elizabeth is reportedly linked, including entities funded by George Soros and NGOs like Caritas, which have faced accusations of promoting conversions and missionary work in India.

The BJP has cited her associations with these groups as part of a broader attempt to undermine national security.

In a notable move, Sarma also shared posts from Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, who has been a vocal critic of India and its policies regarding illegal migration and religious issues. These posts, shared by Sheikh on X, further fuel the BJP’s allegations against Gogoi, creating an even murkier context for the ongoing debate.

Sarma has anchored his comments on a Sheikh's X post which states: “The real problem isn't that illegal migrants from Bangladesh are going to India via Assam - it's the convergence between the nativism against Bengalis & the Hindu nationalist agenda of BJP against Muslims. Why Is India Making Its Own People Stateless?”

The Assam Chief Minister, reacting to this, has stated: “Elizabeth Colburn w/o Hon’ble MP worked under Ali Tauqeer Sheikh in the organization LEAD Pakistan, which operated under the guise of climate change initiatives. A closer examination of his works and articles reveals a deeper and more strategic involvement, particularly in Assam. The extent of this network is now emerging as far more significant and deeply entrenched than initially thought.”

Meanwhile, Gaurav Gogoi has been posed with 12 questions raised by the BJP.

Why, even after 12 years of marriage, has his wife, Elizabeth Colbourn, declined to accept Indian citizenship?

What passports do Gaurav’s children, Maya and Kabir, possess — Indian or British?

Has Elizabeth interacted with officials from the government of Pakistan? If so, can these interactions be made public?

In her capacity as aide to US Senator Tom Udall, did Elizabeth influence any pro-Pakistan policies?

Has Elizabeth met or engaged with entities or individuals linked to George Soros?

During her stay in Pakistan, did Elizabeth associate with individuals or organizations known to act against India’s interests?

At the time of her visa application to India, did Elizabeth disclose any ties with Pakistani agencies? Did Gaurav utilize his political connections to assist her visa process?

Can Gaurav affirm whether Elizabeth’s sister-in-law is associated with organizations promoting Catholic interests and whether he used these connections for funding or support?

How did Gaurav Gogoi obtain an introduction to the Pakistan High Commission, and can he disclose the full details of the engagement?

Did Gaurav inform the Government of India or the Congress party about his visit to the Pakistan High Commission?

What explanation does Gaurav provide for his shift in parliamentary focus towards sensitive military matters after his meeting with the Pakistani High Commissioner?

Did his NGO, Farm 2 Food, receive any funds from organizations linked to George Soros or Catholic missionaries?