Guwahati
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday intensified his criticism of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, alleging that the latter’s visit to the Pakistan Embassy in New Delhi in 2015 raised serious political and national security concerns and warranted a wider investigation.
Speaking to reporters, Sarma said the issue resurfaced after a photograph went viral on social media showing Gogoi accompanying a group of youths to the Pakistan Embassy New Delhi. According to the Chief Minister, Abdul Basit, who was serving as Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India at the time, was also present during the interaction.
Sarma argued that such engagement could not be dismissed as routine or innocuous, given what he described as the sensitive and adversarial nature of relations between India and Pakistan. He said any interaction involving Indian political leaders and Pakistan’s official establishment required careful scrutiny.
Recalling the 1999 Kargil War, the Chief Minister referred to the sacrifice of Captain Jintu Gogoi from Assam, who laid down his life for the nation along with several other soldiers. He said such historical experiences heightened public sensitivity around dealings with Pakistan.
Everyone is aware of the kind of relationship India shares with Pakistan. During Operation Sindoor, the entire country stood firmly behind the Prime Minister. That reflects the sentiment of the nation, Sarma said, underscoring the emotional and political weight associated with any engagement with Pakistani officials.
The Chief Minister further claimed that no other senior leader of the Indian National Congress had ever visited Pakistan or interacted with its diplomatic mission in a similar manner while leading or accompanying a delegation. He also acknowledged that he initially believed the photograph circulating online was fabricated.
For a long time, I was under the impression that the photograph was photoshopped. However, after two or three days, leaders from the Congress themselves began acknowledging it. That is when I realised that the photograph was genuine, Sarma said.
According to the Chief Minister, once the authenticity of the photograph was established, the matter could no longer be viewed in isolation. He said this prompted authorities to widen the scope of the inquiry.