Assam Congress Chief Addresses Pakistan Trip Controversy
In a detailed clarification on Monday, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi responded to allegations made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Bharatiya Janata Party regarding his travel to Pakistan. Gogoi firmly refuted claims of any inappropriate connections, stating his visit was purely personal and followed all legal protocols.
Background of the Allegations
The controversy erupted after CM Himanta Biswa Sarma publicly questioned Gogoi about a 10-day trip to Pakistan in 2013, insinuating potential security concerns. The BJP had raised allegations of a "Pakistan link," prompting Gogoi to issue a comprehensive response to clear the air.
Gogoi's Detailed Explanation
Gaurav Gogoi explained that his wife, Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi, had been working in Pakistan in 2012 as part of an international climate change program funded by the British and Netherlands governments. "My wife was in Pakistan for a year during her professional assignment with this global initiative," Gogoi stated.
He emphasized that in 2013, he merely accompanied his wife on a brief 10-day visit to see her lifestyle and living conditions. "I went to Pakistan with her to understand how she spent her time there, where she resided, and what her daily life was like," Gogoi clarified. During this trip, he visited Islamabad, Lahore, and the historical site of Takshashila in Rawalpindi.
Refutation of Serious Charges
Gogoi strongly denied two specific allegations raised by his political opponents:
- No Sensitive Information Leakage: He categorically stated that his wife never leaked any sensitive information to Pakistani authorities.
- No Active Bank Accounts: Gogoi clarified that neither he nor his wife currently maintains any active bank accounts in Pakistan.
Legal and Security Compliance
The Congress leader highlighted that his travel followed proper legal channels. "I visited Pakistan only after obtaining the necessary visa clearance and completing all required security protocols," Gogoi asserted. He expressed disappointment that the Special Investigation Team of Assam Police never approached him for clarification about his stay in Pakistan. "I would have happily answered any questions they had about where I spent those ten days," he added.
Context of the International Program
Gogoi provided additional context about the climate change program his wife worked on, noting it continued operations in various regions including South America, Africa, and other Asian nations after her Pakistan assignment. This detail was meant to underscore the legitimate, non-political nature of her work.
The clarification comes amid heightened political tensions in Assam, with the Congress and BJP engaged in frequent verbal sparring. Gogoi's detailed response aims to put to rest what he characterizes as baseless allegations meant to distract from substantive political issues.
