What Sparked the Himanta Biswa Sarma vs Gaurav Gogoi ISI Controversy
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi of visiting Pakistan on an invitation from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s intelligence agency.
सरमा ने आरोप लगाया कि गोगोई ने पाकिस्तान की सत्ता के साथ मिलकर काम किया और वापस लौटकर राफेल सौदे का विरोध किया। उन्होंने चुनौती दी कि अगर उनका एक भी शब्द गलत साबित हुआ, तो वे मुख्यमंत्री पद से इस्तीफा दे देंगे।https://t.co/ML3W2seUkA pic.twitter.com/55RT1D0Cqf
— ऑपइंडिया (@OpIndia_in) May 19, 2025
Sarma claimed the visit, arranged by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, was for “training” rather than tourism, suggesting questionable intentions. He stated that the Assam government has evidence, which will be shared by September 10, 2025, after verification through diplomatic channels. Additionally, Sarma repeated earlier allegations that Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Colburn, traveled to Pakistan 19 times and was connected to a Pakistan-based NGO. These claims build on a February 2025 Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged ISI links involving Gogoi and his family. With Assam’s 2026 assembly elections approaching, these accusations appear aimed at undermining Gogoi’s credibility as a key opposition leader.
श्री गौरव गोगोई ISI के निमंत्रण पर पाकिस्तान गए थे, और लौटकर Rafale की ख़रीद का भी विरोध किया था।
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 18, 2025
अगर मेरा एक भी शब्द ग़लत साबित हो जाए, तो मैं मुख्यमंत्री पद से इस्तीफा दे दूंगा। pic.twitter.com/fPyHeOjcaD
How Did Gaurav Gogoi Respond to These Allegations?
Gaurav Gogoi, on May 18–19, 2025, rejected Sarma’s allegations as “baseless” and “ridiculous.” He challenged Sarma to present evidence immediately, criticizing the September deadline as a delay tactic. Gogoi suggested that Sarma’s accusations stem from a personal vendetta, referencing past actions like the 2023 delimitation that altered his former Kaliabor constituency. He accused Sarma of fabricating claims to distract from governance issues, such as corruption and economic challenges in Assam. Gogoi emphasized that Sarma’s allegations lack credibility and urged for transparency, framing the controversy as an attempt to tarnish his reputation ahead of elections.
What Is the Political Context Surrounding This Dispute?
The controversy reflects the intense political rivalry in Assam between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress, particularly as the 2026 elections draw near. Sarma, who switched from Congress to BJP in 2015, has consistently targeted Gogoi, a prominent Congress leader from Jorhat. The ISI allegations align with efforts to portray Congress as weak on national security, especially as India engages in global discussions on terrorism. Sarma also called for Gogoi’s exclusion from a parliamentary delegation meant to represent India internationally, citing the alleged ISI connections. The SIT probe launched in February 2025, though yet to produce public evidence, keeps the issue alive. Public reactions, visible on platforms like X, are divided, with some supporting Sarma’s claims and others dismissing them as political tactics.
आज मैं एक और तथ्य आपके सामने प्रस्तुत कर रहा हूँ-
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 18, 2025
कांग्रेस के सांसद पाकिस्तान में ISI के निमंत्रण पर गए थे। हमारे पास निमंत्रण पत्र से संबंधित दस्तावेज़ उपलब्ध हैं। pic.twitter.com/aSzEMfOL7g
This dispute has far-reaching implications for Assam and Indian politics. If Sarma provides credible evidence, it could severely damage Gogoi’s reputation and weaken Congress’s position in Assam, where the BJP holds significant influence. However, if no evidence emerges, Sarma risks being seen as using baseless allegations for political gain, potentially strengthening Gogoi’s support base. The controversy highlights how national security narratives are used in electoral politics, a tactic that resonates with voters but can overshadow substantive issues like development and governance. The September 10 deadline adds uncertainty, as its outcome will likely influence public opinion and electoral dynamics in Assam. This feud underscores the polarized nature of Indian politics, where personal and political attacks often dominate public discourse.
