Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday renewed his allegations that state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi and his British wife, Elizabeth Colburn, have connections with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Speaking on the sidelines of a programme in Assam, Sarma asserted that while Gogoi himself is “a little less involved,” his wife is “a bit more active,” yet both allegedly work for Pakistan. The chief minister claimed that there is sufficient evidence to support his assertions and accused Gogoi of consistently refraining from speaking out during terrorist incidents in India.

Sarma’s comments come after months of public accusations targeting Gogoi and Colburn, suggesting that their affiliations with Pakistan pose a potential threat to India’s national security. “It is undeniable that both are Pakistani agents, and we have enough proof with us,” Sarma said. He emphasized that, as the chief minister of Assam, he bears the responsibility of alerting the public to any potential threats posed by individuals with foreign intelligence connections.

Criticism Over Silence on Terror Incidents

The chief minister specifically referred to the recent car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, which claimed multiple lives and injured many others. Sarma criticized Gogoi for not issuing an immediate condemnation of the attack, implying that his delayed response could be influenced by his alleged ties to Pakistan. “When our nation was mourning the tragic Delhi blast, he did not say anything. Later, he wrote a post on Facebook, but the word ‘condemn’ was nowhere in it. Only after many people raised the issue did he insert that word, ‘with a heavy heart,’” Sarma said.

According to Sarma, Gogoi’s pattern of behavior during incidents involving Pakistan reflects a lack of courage to openly oppose extremism. The chief minister argued that Gogoi’s silence and delayed statements suggest coordination with Pakistani interests, stating that the Congress leader does not act independently in such matters. “During any subversive incident, he cannot criticize that country,” Sarma asserted. He further claimed that Gogoi’s family is “in cahoots with Pakistan,” implying a deliberate attempt to align politically and ideologically with foreign intelligence interests.

Allegations of Subversive Behavior

Sarma also accused Gogoi of indirectly supporting subversive actions by delaying criticism of terrorist incidents and allowing narratives aligned with Pakistan to persist unchallenged. He suggested that such behavior raises concerns about national security, especially in light of ongoing political unrest and threats in sensitive regions of India. While refraining from providing specific classified details, Sarma insisted that the state government and law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation and taking note of all individuals who may pose a risk to public safety.

Comments on Opposition Meetings

In addition to targeting Gogoi personally, Sarma criticized opposition political gatherings in Assam, particularly a meeting held on Wednesday aimed at strategizing for the 2026 Assam assembly elections. The Chief Minister claimed that the opposition meeting, which included multiple party leaders, had no substantial political discussion and focused primarily on personal matters, particularly the wedding of Assam Jatiya Parishad President Lurinjyoti Gogoi. Sarma said, “For nearly two hours, the only topic of conversation was the wedding—about the bride, groom, and the venue of the reception. There was no political discussion.”

He dismissed the opposition’s claims of unity among different parties, asserting that their purported coalition lacks coherence and clear objectives. According to Sarma, the collaboration between Congress, Assam Jatiya Parishad, and Raijor Dal is largely symbolic, and the opposition fails to present a viable alternative to the ruling BJP-led coalition. He argued that while there are only a few prominent opposition leaders, “many more Gogois are with us,” implying widespread support for the government across the state.

Electoral Context and Strategy

Sarma’s comments come in the context of preparations for the Assam assembly elections scheduled for 2026. Following the opposition meeting, Gaurav Gogoi had announced that at least eight opposition parties plan to contest the elections unitedly to challenge the BJP-led alliance. Sarma, however, dismissed these claims, arguing that the opposition’s agenda remains opaque, while the ruling coalition maintains transparency and accountability in governance. “Their political agenda remains hidden while everything we do is open and transparent, and that is why we are blessed by the people,” he said. He further expressed confidence that the opposition will not be able to contest the elections effectively, asserting that the ruling alliance has a strong advantage in terms of public support.

Remarks on AIUDF and Regional Politics

In addition to addressing the opposition, Sarma commented on the political relevance of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal. He observed that Ajmal’s influence in Assam politics has declined, claiming that his party no longer holds significant sway in shaping electoral outcomes. According to the Chief Minister, the political landscape in Assam has shifted decisively, with the BJP-led government enjoying widespread public approval and support.

Broader Implications

Sarma’s allegations have drawn attention due to their implications on national security, political discourse, and opposition conduct. By asserting that a senior Congress leader and his foreign-national spouse are agents of Pakistan, Sarma has significantly raised the stakes in the political narrative ahead of the next assembly elections. His comments also highlight broader concerns about foreign influence, internal security, and the responsibilities of public figures in responding to terrorist incidents.

While Gogoi has not publicly responded to Sarma’s latest statements, the allegations contribute to a heightened climate of political tension in Assam. Opposition parties may face increased scrutiny, both from government authorities and from the public, regarding their leadership and affiliations. Sarma’s remarks also serve to reinforce the BJP-led government’s narrative of transparency, accountability, and vigilance against subversive activities, positioning the administration as committed to safeguarding Assam and India from external and internal threats.

Conclusion

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statements on Thursday represent the continuation of an ongoing political confrontation with Congress state president Gaurav Gogoi and his wife Elizabeth Colburn. By alleging ISI connections and critiquing the opposition’s organizational efficacy, Sarma has framed the political discourse in Assam around questions of national security, loyalty, and governance competence. These remarks come at a crucial time as the state gears up for the 2026 assembly elections, signaling an intensification of political rhetoric and a focus on both security concerns and electoral strategy.

Sarma’s accusations underline the increasing politicization of national security issues in Assam, while also highlighting the broader challenge of maintaining public trust and order in a politically charged environment. The Chief Minister’s comments reflect his ongoing strategy to consolidate support for the ruling alliance, discredit the opposition, and underscore the importance of vigilance against alleged foreign influence in state politics.