Guwahati, Feb 26, 2026: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday dismissed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s suggestion that he should lead an “India-Pakistan” parliamentary group instead of the India-Philippines friendship panel, questioning the CM’s relevance in the Speaker’s decision.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla constituted over 60 Parliamentary Friendship Groups on Monday, appointing Gogoi as president of the Philippines panel, which includes opposition members.

On Tuesday, Sarma reacted to media queries by reiterating past claims that Gogoi is a “Pakistani agent,” implying the Congress leader was better suited for a Pakistan-focused group.

“What role does the CM have in this? What value do his remarks hold?” Gogoi responded. “The Speaker assigned this responsibility within the House via an official letter—Sarma’s comments are irrelevant.”

The Jorhat MP thanked voters from his constituency and Assam for their 2024 Lok Sabha election support, which he credited for the role. “Everyone has seen the Lok Sabha Speaker’s letter,” he added.

Assam Congress hailed the appointment amid Sarma’s “malicious campaign” against Gogoi, a charge the CM denies.

The BJP and Sarma have targeted Gogoi and his British wife, Elizabeth Colburn, for over a year, alleging ISI links and “direct connections” to Pakistan claims intensified ahead of state assembly polls. On February 8, Sarma cited Intelligence Bureau info, alleging ties between Gogoi, Colburn, and Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.

Gogoi called the allegations “mindless and bogus,” likening Sarma’s press conference to a “super flop C-grade cinema.”