Assam Congress Chief Visits Majuli Amid Controversy Over Alleged Pakistan Links

Guwahati:Assam Pradesh Congress Committeepresident and Jorhat MPGaurav Gogoivisited Majuli on February 13. During his visit, he addressed the political controversy over his alleged Pakistan links. He also outlined the Congress party’s development agenda ahead of the Assembly elections.His remarks came days after Chief MinisterHimanta Biswa Sarmasaid the Special Investigation Team report on Gogoi’s alleged links to Pakistan would be amended. The government plans to refer the report to the Centre for further investigation.Speaking to reporters, Gogoi declined to comment on statements made by the parents of Kargil war hero Jintu Gogoi. The family had expressed anguish over reports of Gogoi’s alleged visits to Pakistan.“They are a martyr’s family. Whatever they say, I do not want to comment on that,” Gogoi said. He claimed someone might have influenced their statements. He also questioned whether the same person informed them aboutPrime Minister Narendra Modiinviting then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony in 2014.Reiterating his position, Gogoi said he holds deep respect for the martyr’s family. He said he had visited their home several times in the past. He also recalled that he had represented the constituency as a former Lok Sabha MP. He added that he did not wish to comment further on the matter.Captain Jintu Gogoi was killed during the Kargil War. His father, Thogiran Gogoi, said visits to a country considered an “enemy” are painful for families who have lost their children in service to the nation. He added that anyone found conspiring against the country should face strict action, irrespective of who they are.Amid the political exchanges, Gogoi sought to shift focus to governance issues. He highlighted flood and erosion as long-standing concerns in Majuli and other riverine districts of Assam.Gogoi said a future Congress government in Assam would seek central assistance for flood and erosion control. He also said the party would press the Centre to implement ST status for six major ethnic communities. He added that the Prime Minister, as head of the government, could visit the state whenever required.He stressed that a Congress-led government would work with the Centre on key issues. Recalling the past, Gogoi said that when his father first became Chief Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. He said the state had secured several initiatives during that period.Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent visit to the state, Gogoi said the election was about choosing the next state government. “People are not voting to elect the Prime Minister in this election. They are voting to elect the next state government and the next Chief Minister,” he said.With theAssembly pollsapproaching, the controversy over the SIT probe and the exchanges involving a martyr’s family have added sharp political overtones to the campaign. Meanwhile, flood control and ethnic status remain key issues for voters across Assam.Related