Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sparked a political debate by questioning the prolonged foreign citizenship of Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Colebourn. The controversy gained traction after CM Sarma pointed out that Colebourn has retained her British nationality for 12 years since her marriage to Gogoi in 2013.
The issue was raised on Wednesday when Sarma, in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), shared his concerns over the regulations that apply to government officials marrying foreign nationals. He compared these rules with the apparent lack of restrictions for lawmakers, questioning whether allowing a foreign spouse of a politician to retain their citizenship for over a decade is appropriate.
CM Sarma’s Concerns Over National Loyalty
Himanta Biswa Sarma’s post was reportedly inspired by a conversation he had with an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer in Singapore. During the discussion, Sarma noted the strict protocols that IFS officers must follow when marrying a foreign national.
According to government regulations, an IFS officer must:
- Seek prior approval from the government before marrying a foreign citizen.
- If permission is granted, the foreign spouse must acquire Indian citizenship within six months.
The Assam CM pointed out that while these rules exist for bureaucrats, no such mandate applies to lawmakers. He questioned whether politicians should also adhere to similar standards, particularly in cases involving national security concerns.
Sarma wrote on X: “Loyalty to the nation must always take precedence over all other considerations. Allowing a foreign spouse of a lawmaker to retain foreign citizenship for 12 years is far too long.”
Elizabeth Colebourn’s Background Raises Questions
Elizabeth Colebourn, who continues to hold British citizenship, has an academic and professional background in policy and governance. However, what has fueled further scrutiny is her past association with Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, a senior advisor to Pakistan’s Planning Commission.
This connection has raised eyebrows, given Gaurav Gogoi’s prominent political role as:
- Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Indian Parliament
- A three-time Lok Sabha MP from Assam
- A leader actively involved in national policy discussions
CM Sarma’s remarks indirectly suggest that such international ties could pose security risks, especially when linked to a senior opposition leader in India.
Gaurav Gogoi’s Political Journey and Marriage to Colebourn
Gaurav Gogoi, the son of former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, has been a rising star in the Indian National Congress.
- He married Elizabeth Colebourn in 2013.
- Soon after, he entered active politics and won his first Lok Sabha seat in 2014 from the Kaliabor constituency in Assam.
- He has since become one of the key voices in the opposition against the ruling BJP.
His marriage to a foreign national had remained a non-issue for years, but with the increasing political polarization in the country, questions about national security and political integrity are now being raised.
Political Reactions and Impact
Sarma’s remarks have deepened the political rivalry between the BJP and Congress in Assam. While Gogoi has not yet responded to the controversy, Congress leaders have dismissed the allegations as a diversion tactic by the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Potential Implications
- Security Scrutiny: With growing concerns over foreign influences in Indian politics, the issue of dual citizenship or foreign spouses of politicians could gain national attention.
- Policy Debates: The controversy may lead to discussions on whether stricter rules should be imposed on lawmakers marrying foreign nationals.
- Electoral Impact: Given that Gaurav Gogoi is a key Congress leader from Assam, the BJP may use this issue as an election strategy to weaken Congress’s position in the region.
The debate over Gaurav Gogoi’s wife’s foreign citizenship is more than just a political attack—it raises broader questions about national security, loyalty, and transparency in Indian politics. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s comments have brought the issue into the spotlight, making it a potential talking point in upcoming political debates.
