Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Vows to Reveal Evidence by September 10
New Delhi: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has broken his silence on allegations linking his wife to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), calling them a “C-grade Bollywood movie plot.” The controversy, fueled by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has escalated into a major political row ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.
Gogoi’s Clarification on Pakistan Visit
Gogoi admitted that in 2013, he accompanied his wife, Elizabeth Colburn, to Pakistan, where she worked for a year on a South Asia-focused climate change project. “My wife, a renowned public policy expert, was part of an international initiative 14-15 years ago. She spent a year in Pakistan and returned to India in 2012-13. I went with her once in 2013,” he said. Dismissing Sarma’s claims, Gogoi questioned the timing of the accusations, noting that the central government, in power for over a decade, never flagged any issues. He challenged Sarma’s narrative, stating, “Assam’s people know the truth, and this story will flop.”
Sarma’s Counter and SIT Probe
Sarma welcomed Gogoi’s admission of the Pakistan visit but insisted it was just the “beginning.” He alleged that Gogoi visited Pakistan on an ISI invitation for “training” and claimed to possess “credible evidence” of his ties to Pakistani agencies. “We have documents, and every proof will be public by September 10 after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) concludes its probe,” Sarma said. The SIT, formed in February 2025, is investigating claims against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, allegedly linked to Colburn through their work at LEAD Pakistan, a climate-focused NGO. Sarma further alleged that Colburn traveled between India and Pakistan 19 times and received a salary from a Pakistan-based NGO while in India.
Roots of the Controversy
The dispute began in February 2025 when BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia and Sarma accused Colburn of ISI links, citing her work with LEAD Pakistan under Sheikh, who is claimed to have ties to Pakistan’s government. Sarma also referenced a 2015 meeting where Gogoi allegedly visited the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi at the invitation of then-High Commissioner Abdul Basit. Gogoi rejected these as “ridiculous” and accused the BJP of defamation to weaken his rising stature as Assam Congress chief. A 2024 Pew Research study noted that 78% of Indians view Pakistan as a security threat, making such allegations particularly potent in the current political climate.
Political Fallout and Reactions
The Congress has rallied behind Gogoi, with leader Jairam Ramesh calling Sarma’s allegations “an atrocious smear campaign” to distract from his own “monumental corruption.” Gogoi demanded that Sarma resign if he fails to prove the claims and proposed two SITs—one to investigate him and another to probe Sarma. Meanwhile, Sarma has accused Congress of promoting a “compromised individual” and linked Gogoi’s 2015 Rafale deal opposition to his alleged Pakistan visit. Congress leader Rashid Alvi questioned why no FIR was filed if Sarma’s claims were credible.
Assam’s Security Concerns
Sarma has framed the issue as a national security matter, citing Assam’s history of ISI-backed destabilization. The Assam Cabinet passed a resolution in February 2025 condemning Sheikh’s alleged interference, directing a probe into his network. Sarma also claimed that Colburn’s role in Gogoi’s Lok Sabha campaigns as a British citizen raises legal questions. Gogoi countered that all his visits were documented, and he has followed protocol since becoming an MP in 2014.
What’s Next?
With the SIT’s findings expected by September 10, 2025, the controversy is set to dominate Assam’s political landscape. Gogoi’s defiance and Sarma’s promise of a “knockout punch” have intensified the stakes. Political analysts suggest the BJP is leveraging the issue to weaken Congress ahead of the 2026 elections, while Gogoi’s supporters argue he is being targeted for his vocal opposition in Parliament. The outcome of the SIT probe could either vindicate Gogoi or escalate the crisis, shaping public trust in both leaders.