'Pakistani agent': Himanta Biswa Sarma doubles down on Gaurav Gogoi
What's the story
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has once again alleged that Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi is a "Pakistani agent." Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, Sarma said, "Gaurav Gogoi is a Pakistani agent; he is purely that. He has been planted by foreign power in our country." The CM claimed to have evidence for his allegations and challenged anyone to file a defamation case if they were proved to be untrue.
Counter-attack
Over past few months, Sarma has lost credibility: Gogoi
Congress leader Gogoi hit back at Sarma's allegations, calling them an "example of why he is unfit as the Chief Minister of the people of Assam." He criticized Sarma for making such remarks when Assam was mourning the death of singer Zubeen Garg. "Over the past few months, Himanta Biswa Sarma dangoriya (respected elder) has lost credibility," Gogoi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Public outcry
Assam mourns death of singer Zubeen Garg
Gogoi's criticism came as Assam mourned the death of its beloved singer Zubeen Garg. Garg died while swimming in Singapore on September 19, triggering widespread grief and a government probe into his death. His last movie, "Roi Roi Binale" (Tears still flow), was released on Friday to packed houses in Assam and other parts of the country, according to PTI.
Family claims
Sarma's earlier allegations against Gogoi
Sarma had earlier alleged that Gogoi's British wife has links to Pakistan. He also claimed that he has evidence to support his allegations. However, Gogoi dismissed these claims as politically motivated and an attempt to divert attention from more pressing issues facing Assam. He has denied having any links to Pakistan, though he admitted that he did travel to Pakistan in 2013 when his wife was employed there as part of a climate change project.