Is Gaurav Gogoi Right to Call CM Sarma's Claims 'Worse Than C-grade Cinema'?
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Guwahati, Feb 8 (NationPress) The Assam Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi has publicly criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his recent press conference, which he described as "more ridiculous than a C-grade film". In this conference, CM Sarma made serious allegations involving Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh and Elizabeth Gogoi, the wife of Gaurav Gogoi, asserting that these claims should not be dismissed lightly.
During the press briefing, CM Sarma highlighted that the involvement of a current MP escalated the matter beyond a standard inquiry.
He stated, "These are serious allegations. When a sitting MP, who is also the Deputy Leader of the Congress party in Parliament, has any connection to Pakistan, the matter certainly becomes more significant."
In response, Gogoi expressed his thoughts on social media platform X, saying, "I feel sorry for the journalists from Delhi and Assam who had to endure the most disastrous press conference of the century. This was worse than a C-grade movie – filled with nonsensical and unfounded claims by a so-called astute Chief Minister."
He further criticized CM Sarma's performance, contrasting it with their successful Xomoy Parivartan Yatra, which has effectively exposed 12,000 bighas of land claimed by the Chief Minister and his relatives.
CM Sarma revealed that the matter was initially reviewed by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Assam Police, which led to a formal case being registered with the CID police station for an in-depth investigation.
According to him, the SIT's report was presented to the state government, and the Assam Cabinet decided that the seriousness and broader implications of the allegations warranted a probe by a central agency.
CM Sarma said the issue gained attention after a photo circulated on social media showing Gogoi with a group of youths at the Pakistani Embassy.
The Chief Minister noted that Abdul Basit, then Pakistan's High Commissioner to India, was also present during this 2015 interaction.
He emphasized that such interactions cannot be regarded as trivial, given the sensitive nature of India-Pakistan relations.
Once the authenticity of the photograph was confirmed, the investigation's scope was broadened. CM Sarma maintained that the government is obliged to thoroughly examine all facets of the case, especially when national interests and public officials are implicated.