Guwahati: Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday (March 25, 2026) rejected claims by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that linked him and his wife to Pakistan, calling the allegation a “wild theory” and saying it exposes the Chief Minister’s vulnerabilities.
Speaking to PTI, Gogoi pointed out the difference between Sarma’s accusations and the criticisms Congress has raised regarding the Chief Minister’s family and governance.
“The statements he makes exist only in his imagination as a ‘wild theory’ and touch on sensitive matters like national security,” Gogoi said.
He stressed that the party’s concerns, including issues related to Sarma’s family, wealth, corruption, and government support to his wife’s business, are supported by publicly available information.
Gogoi pointed out that numerous media reports and ongoing legal cases document these matters, offering evidence for public scrutiny.
He described Sarma’s claims as baseless, suggesting the Chief Minister is using national security as a “wild theory” to push his own agenda.
“National security is not a tool for political attacks. A Chief Minister should show restraint and avoid unfounded claims on such serious topics,” Gogoi added.
Sarma has consistently targeted Gogoi and his British wife, Elizabeth Clare Gogoi, alleging connections with Pakistan’s ISI and forming a Special Investigation Team to investigate.
According to Gogoi, these accusations reveal Sarma’s insecurities and the lengths he is willing to go to portray the Congress as a threat.
“Their attacks show how much he sees the party as a danger and how far he will go to politicize national security,” he said.
Gogoi said these controversies have strengthened his family’s unity.
“This experience has demonstrated our resilience. My wife and I, along with our family, have faced these personal attacks firmly, which has only increased our respect and understanding for one another,” he said.
As the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, contesting the Assembly elections for the first time, Gogoi said the Congress has responded to “numerous questions” about these allegations, while the Chief Minister has not addressed why public funds are being directed to his wife’s business.
He also criticized the state government for employing fear and intimidation against dissent.
“If you challenge this administration, you risk imprisonment or being excluded from schemes. This approach is not democracy, it resembles authoritarianism, and Assam deserves better,” he said.
Gogoi expressed confidence that voters will judge political parties based on ethical standards and integrity.
“People are observing our conduct and will cast their votes on the basis of moral courage,” he said.
Referring to his father, former CM Tarun Gogoi, he said citizens remember how Assam transitioned from insurgency and financial instability to peace and fiscal stability under his leadership.
“People are recalling that period and hoping for its return,” he added.
Gogoi underscored that several challenges remain in Assam, and Congress intends to form a government focused on practical solutions and development.
“Voters expect us to end the negative politics of the last six to seven years, provide an alternative administration, encourage industrial growth, and more. Meeting these expectations will be my top priority,” he said.
Regarding the six-party Opposition alliance, he mentioned he would have preferred faster discussions but is satisfied with the agreement.
The coalition now includes Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, CPI(M), All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC), and CPI(ML).
“Congress has a nationalist approach, ‘nation first, India first’; AJP focuses on regional issues; and Raijor Dal, led by Akhil Gogoi, follows a Left-oriented path,” he said.
“Never before has Congress been part of such a broad coalition, and the public’s response has been very encouraging,” Gogoi said.
He explained that the delay was due to detailed talks about party organisation, seat distribution, and candidate selection.
People are excited about the partnership between Congress, Raijor Dal, and AJP, as the three parties bring complementary strengths, he added.