Guwahati, Apr 28: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday responded to the criticism from Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, defending his remarks regarding Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. Sarma emphasized that his comments were based on “verifiable facts” and were not politically motivated.
In a series of posts on X, Sarma clarified that his statements were “factual assertions” made after thorough investigation. “No Sir. Once again, I would like to state with complete responsibility and full sense of authority that every word I have said is based entirely on verifiable facts and 100% authentic information. This is not rhetoric. It is a factual assertion made after due diligence and careful investigation,” Sarma wrote.
The Chief Minister further stressed that the questions he raised were “legitimate” and in the public interest, backed by facts and documents. He also stated that the ongoing investigation was being conducted responsibly. “These are legitimate questions arising out of facts in the public interest. There are many more questions that will be raised in due course. Our investigation is ongoing and is being conducted responsibly, based purely on facts and documents,” Sarma added.
Earlier, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal had criticized Sarma’s remarks, calling them “baseless attacks” on Gogoi and his family, and accusing Sarma of diverting attention from corruption allegations. “The Assam CM’s pathetic, below-the-belt comments about Sh. Gaurav Gogoi prove that he is unfit to be in public life. He is making totally baseless attacks on Gaurav Gogoi’s family, questioning their loyalty and diverting attention from the scathing corruption allegations that he must answer,” Venugopal wrote on X.
Venugopal also praised Gogoi as an “honest leader” and criticized Sarma for weakening national unity by invoking Pakistan-related issues. “Today, against Pakistan, unity is the need of the hour. By frivolously using the Pakistan bogie against an upright public figure like Gogoi, he is only emboldening our rivals. Sh. Gaurav Gogoi is an honest leader who is taking on the might of a police state, and we steadfastly stand by him,” Venugopal added.
The back-and-forth began after Sarma raised questions about Gogoi’s alleged visit to Pakistan for 15 consecutive days, as well as concerns about his family’s connections. Sarma also inquired about the citizenship status of Gogoi’s wife and children and whether Gogoi’s wife received a salary from a Pakistan-based NGO.
In response, Gogoi challenged Sarma to substantiate his claims and demanded an apology if the allegations proved false. He also questioned whether Sarma would allow scrutiny of his own family’s activities and raised concerns about illegal coal mining operations in Assam’s hill districts.
