Assam’s political landscape has intensified as Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi strongly criticized the BJP-led Assam government for launching a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe involving his wife. Gogoi termed the investigation a political vendetta, stating that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma fears losing power in the 2026 state elections.
The BJP government in Assam formed an SIT on Monday to investigate Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh over his alleged remarks on India’s internal affairs. However, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma linked Sheikh to Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth, alleging professional ties between them.
In response, Gogoi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and wrote:
“The BJP government in Assam can conduct their enquiry. Every Assamese person knows the real reason behind recent developments. Himanta Biswa Sarma is afraid that he will lose his chair and will have to face justice from the people of Assam after the 2026 assembly elections.”
BJP vs Congress: The SIT Probe Controversy
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe was announced amidst growing tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in Assam. With the Assam Assembly elections set for 2026, political clashes between the two parties have escalated.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has alleged that Gogoi’s wife had professional engagements with Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, a Pakistani national who made controversial remarks about India. The BJP government’s decision to investigate these connections has sparked a heated political debate.
However, Gaurav Gogoi has dismissed the allegations, calling the probe a diversion tactic by the BJP to shift focus from pressing issues in Assam. He accused Sarma of misusing government agencies for political gain, stating that the BJP fears losing power in 2026 and is trying to intimidate opposition leaders.
Congress Responds to BJP’s Allegations
The Congress party has strongly backed Gaurav Gogoi, calling the SIT probe a witch-hunt aimed at silencing opposition voices. Party leaders have argued that the BJP government is using state machinery to target political rivals instead of addressing key governance issues.
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the probe an act of desperation by the BJP, saying that the ruling party is losing public support.
- State Congress leaders have demanded a fair investigation and urged the BJP to stop political vendetta tactics.
- Political analysts believe that the SIT probe is part of a larger pre-election strategy by the BJP to weaken the opposition before the Assam Assembly elections in 2026.
Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Political Strategy for 2026
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has been a dominant political figure in Assam, leading the BJP to a landslide victory in 2021. However, with growing anti-incumbency sentiments and increasing opposition attacks, the 2026 elections may not be an easy battle.
Gaurav Gogoi’s statement that Himanta fears losing his chair highlights the Congress’s confidence in regaining ground in Assam. If the opposition party strengthens its base, the BJP could face a tough electoral challenge in 2026.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
The SIT probe and Gaurav Gogoi’s strong rebuttal have polarized public opinion in Assam. While BJP supporters argue that the investigation is necessary to uncover potential foreign links, Congress leaders and supporters view it as a politically motivated attack on opposition figures.
Potential Impacts of the Controversy
- Erosion of BJP’s Popularity: If the public perceives the probe as politically motivated, it could dent BJP’s credibility.
- Congress’s Opportunity to Regain Support: Gogoi’s defiance might help the Congress mobilize anti-BJP sentiment ahead of the 2026 elections.
- Intensified Political Rivalry: The BJP and Congress are likely to escalate their attacks on each other as the elections approach.
The ongoing SIT probe into Gaurav Gogoi’s wife and her alleged ties with a Pakistani national has sparked a major political storm in Assam. While CM Himanta Biswa Sarma claims the probe is necessary, Gogoi and the Congress party insist it is a ploy to suppress opposition voices.
With the 2026 Assam Assembly elections on the horizon, this controversy is expected to further intensify the political battle between the BJP and Congress. Whether this move will benefit or backfire on the BJP remains to be seen as Assam’s voters watch closely.
