Did Assam CM Sarma Challenge Rahul Over Congress MP Gogoi's Pakistan Links?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Assam CM Sarma challenges Rahul Gandhi on Congress MPs visiting Pakistan.
- Gaurav Gogoi faces serious allegations regarding his connections.
- Evidence of Gogoi's alleged visit to Pakistan is claimed to be in Sarma's possession.
- The issue of Gogoi's children's citizenship status is raised.
- The BJP continues to target Gogoi over his wife's alleged ties to ISI.
Guwahati, May 5 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday to declare in Parliament whether members of his party have permission to visit Pakistan.
This statement was made as Sarma intensified his criticism of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, accusing him of having links to the neighboring nation.
Sarma asserted that traveling to Pakistan is a serious crime and warned of “strict action” against Gogoi, alleging he possesses evidence of the Congress MP’s past visit to Pakistan.
The Chief Minister also suggested that there is a “deeper story” regarding Gogoi’s children allegedly not being Indian citizens and vowed to reveal more details by September 10.
The BJP and Sarma have consistently targeted Gogoi over claims related to his British wife’s connections with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI.
Sarma has accused Gogoi of spending 15 days in Pakistan without informing Indian authorities.
In a recent interaction with the press during a Panchayat election campaign rally, Sarma was questioned about whether visiting Pakistan is a criminal act.
He replied, “It is a serious offence. He not only visited Pakistan but also held a meeting with a Pakistani military official. Strict measures will be taken.”
Sarma mentioned he is postponing formal action until September to compile necessary documentation from Pakistan and the UK to substantiate his allegations.
“I need to show proof to the public — otherwise, they won’t believe me,” he stated.
The Chief Minister pressed Rahul Gandhi to clarify Congress's stance, asking whether the party condones its MPs traveling to Pakistan.
“I want Rahul Gandhi to say in Parliament whether it’s acceptable for Congress MPs to visit Pakistan. Let’s see if he has the courage to make that statement,” Sarma remarked.
Just a day prior, Sarma had announced intentions to meet Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to question the party's choice to nominate Gogoi as a candidate.
Earlier in March, Sarma indicated that the state government might seek help from international agencies like Interpol to investigate alleged involvement by Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.
Sheikh, reportedly connected to Gogoi’s wife Elizabeth Colburn, is accused of interfering in India’s domestic matters. He previously served as an advisor to Pakistan’s Planning Commission and collaborated with Colburn professionally. He faces charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Sarma reiterated the ongoing concern regarding Gogoi’s children’s citizenship status, emphasizing that more information will be revealed.