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Elizabeth Colburn, Wife of MP Gaurav Gogoi, Under Investigation for Pakistan Connection

February 17, 2025, 1:44 pm

The government of Assam has launched an inquiry against Elizabeth Colburn, the British wife of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, for her alleged association with a Pakistani citizen, Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement, sparking concerns about national security, foreign interference in Indian politics, and possible diplomatic strain with the UK and Pakistan.

Although the state government stopped short of filing any lawsuits against MP Gogoi or his wife, it instructed the Director General of Police (DGP) to lodge an FIR against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. Sarma verified that a police complaint would be lodged and that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would investigate the charges about Colburn’s supposed Pakistani connections.

Colburn’s role in political contests raises questions.

Colburn’s involvement in the Lok Sabha campaigns for the Kaliabor constituency is a seat that her husband, Gaurav Gogoi, has captured twice; therefore, the state administration is worried. Elizabeth Colburn, supposed to take part in Indian political efforts, raises questions about her visa status and whether she ran afoul of Indian visa regulations that forbid foreign nationals from campaigning.

Emphasizing the gravity of the issue for the security and sovereignty of India, Sarma said, “We will send to the Centre to look into her election involvement.”

A cabinet resolution brought attention to Ali Tauqeer Sheikh’s connection to activities aimed at upsetting social equilibrium in Assam in several studies, including social media postings. Rumor has it that Sheikh has links to Elizabeth Colburn via his membership in “Lead Pakistan,” an organization campaigning for climate legislation, as a result of his supposed advising activity within the Pakistani government.

Worries Regarding National Security and External Interference

Given that Assam has historically been a region of great vigilance thanks to ISI-supported operations, Chief Minister Sarma strongly criticized Sheikh’s remarks on India’s internal affairs, especially in Assam. For the sake of national security, Sarma underlined that this inquiry is being aggressively followed.

“We have to take strong, ginormous action,” Sarma said that irrespective of political affiliation, national security cannot be sacrificed.

Though Colburn’s position in Indian politics is still under investigation, a British citizen’s involvement might generate diplomatic problems with the United Kingdom. Should the inquiry turn into a formal diplomatic issue, especially should it grow more intense, the UK might decide to comment on it. Meanwhile, the accusations surrounding Sheikh in Pakistan’s reaction could add to the difficulty of the matter.

Effects on national polls and Assam politics

The Assam government’s inquiry, presented as a national security issue, might grow into a political hot point as general elections draw close. The questioning of the opposition Congress, headed by Gaurav Gogoi, is probably seen by the party as politically motivated, with accusations of going after its members just before the elections. The investigation was meant to protect India’s sovereignty as a vital first step, not a political ploy, nevertheless noted Chief Minister Sarma.

Furthermore, Sarma said that Congress legislators Mallikarjun Kharge and Bhupen Kumar Borah would be told the inquiry centers on national security rather than political agendas. Sarma added, “The inquiry is strictly for national security, not driven by politics.”

The developing inquiry may well cause more diplomatic and political debates concerning Colburn’s role in Assam’s political scene and her supposed links to Ali Tauqeer Sheikh of Pakistan.

‘Derailment Minister’: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi Takes Jibe at Ashwini Vaishnaw

August 1, 2024, 4:07 pm

Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday criticised Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for not taking moral responsibility for train accidents, dubbing him the “derailment minister.”

Gogoi alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party ministers have been blaming historical issues instead of taking responsibility for recent incidents in the country.

“In the last two months, at least four goods trains have derailed and four people died in July. Ten people were killed in June due to the collision of the Kanchanjunga Express, in addition to thousands being injured. Despite all this, the railway minister has not taken any responsibility,” said Gaurav Gogoi.

At least ten passengers died, and 41 others were injured when three rear coaches of the stationary Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express derailed on June 17 after a goods train collided with it from the rear in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district.

Gogoi also alleged that the railway minister was busy accusing Opposition members and threatening them instead of addressing railway safety. “In 2023 in Odisha, at least 300 people were killed. Who is going to take responsibility for that? In the last year and a half, train accidents have been rising, and the minister is busy with manufacturing. He is not a railway minister, he is a derailment minister,” Gogoi said.

On June 2, 2023, the Coromandel Express collided with a stationary iron ore-laden goods train at Bahanaga Bazar station. Some of its derailed coaches then crashed into the Yeshwantpur-Howrah Express, resulting in India’s worst railway disaster in three decades, killing 293 passengers and injuring 1,100 others.

Gogoi added that the minister’s response in the House was unsatisfactory and avoided accountability, leading the I.N.D.I.A. bloc parties to stage a walkout.

On July 24, Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Railway Ministry has allocated Rs 1,112.57 crore to install the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, Kavach, for the financial year 2024-25. Kavach is an indigenously developed ATP system that is highly technology-intensive and requires the highest level of safety certification.

Congress Names Gaurav Gogoi As New Deputy Leader In Lok Sabha

July 14, 2024, 1:29 pm

In a significant move, the Congress party has appointed Gaurav Gogoi as the new Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha. This decision aims to enhance the party’s leadership and strategic presence in the Parliament.

Gaurav Gogoi, the son of former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, has been an active and influential member of the Congress party. His new role as the Deputy Leader is expected to bring fresh energy and perspective to the party’s activities in the Lok Sabha.

The appointment comes at a crucial time when the Congress is gearing up for the upcoming parliamentary sessions and future elections. Party members believe that Gogoi’s leadership will strengthen their position and help in effectively voicing their concerns and policies.

Gogoi expressed his gratitude for the new role and emphasized his commitment to work diligently for the party and the people. “I am honored by this responsibility and will strive to contribute to the party’s growth and success,” he stated.

With Gogoi taking on this important position, the Congress party is hopeful for a more dynamic and robust representation in the Lok Sabha. This move is seen as a step towards rejuvenating the party’s leadership and preparing for the challenges ahead.

Gaurav Gogoi Urges Gadkari Addresses ‘Deplorable’ Teok-Sivasagar Highway Condition

July 1, 2024, 1:39 pm

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi issued a heartfelt appeal to Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Sunday, urging urgent intervention to accelerate the completion of the Teok-Sivasagar highway in Jorhat, which lies within his Lok Sabha constituency. The highway, crucial for regional connectivity, currently languishes in a state described by Gogoi as “deplorable,” marked by frequent accidents and persistent traffic jams. Despite ongoing efforts over several years, significant portions of the road remain unfinished, exacerbating the plight of local commuters and residents alike.

In a video message recorded at the construction site, Gogoi underscored the critical importance of the Teok-Sivasagar highway in facilitating smoother transportation and bolstering economic activities in the Jorhat region. He lamented the adverse impact of the road’s incomplete status, noting that multiple contractors have initiated work only to abandon it midway. Gogoi pointed out that despite repeated tenders and efforts, the situation has shown little improvement, leading to severe inconvenience for the populace and posing safety risks due to the compromised road conditions.

Gogoi, referencing Gadkari’s recent visit to Jorhat, appealed to the minister to personally intervene and expedite the completion of the highway. Expressing optimism in Gadkari’s proactive approach, Gogoi emphasized the minister’s pivotal role in ensuring that the necessary steps are taken swiftly to alleviate the enduring hardships faced by the people of Jorhat. He stressed the urgent need for comprehensive action to address the project’s delays and deliver a fully functional highway that meets the connectivity needs of the region effectively.

In conclusion, Gaurav Gogoi’s appeal to Nitin Gadkari reflects not only the pressing infrastructure challenges faced by Jorhat but also the broader implications for regional development and public safety. With the Teok-Sivasagar highway pivotal in enhancing connectivity and economic growth, Gogoi’s plea underscores the imperative for swift and decisive action to complete the project, ensuring that it serves its intended purpose of benefiting the local community and fostering sustainable development in the region.

Parliament security breach: Opposition MPs insist on Amit Shah’s remarks on Parliament security breach

December 18, 2023, 2:01 pm

The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, was pressed on Monday by opposition MPs to provide a statement regarding the security breach in Parliament. Priyanka Chaturvedi, a member of the Shiv Sena (UBT), stated that Shah ought to visit the Parliament and disclose the security breach in the nation’s “safest building” after the opposition’s cacophonous agitation caused both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to adjourn until 2:00 pm. “If the safest building in the nation has a security breach, who is accountable for it?” Priyanka Chaturvedi asked in an interview with ANI. The decision regarding who is accountable for all of this will fall to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He ought to enter Parliament and make the announcement.

Raghav Chadha, AAP Rajya Sabha MP said that the opposition parties are just asking that the investigation report be presented in the Parliament.
“…The opposition parties are just asking that the investigation report be presented in the Parliament. And a discussion should be held…The MPs want a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and then a discussion can be held. The way the government is running from this issue, raises a lot of questions as to what they are hiding,” he said.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said, “Union Home Minister Amit Shah is afraid of speaking inside Parliament and that is why he is commenting on it in media….It is a blot on the record of the Home Minister that under his watch this temple of democracy was attacked and he can’t avoid scrutiny forever.”

Assam CM Himanta Biswa’s wife got ₹10 crore govt subsidy?

September 13, 2023, 7:55 pm

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma refuted the Congress’ charge that his wife’s company received a 10 crore subsidy from the government on Wednesday, claiming that neither his wife Riniki nor her company ever received a subsidy from the government.

For those unware of the situation, Assam Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi shared a document and said, “PM Modi launched the Kisan sampada scheme to double the income of the farmers of India.”

“But in Assam, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma used his influence to help his wife’s firm get ₹10 crore as part of credit-linked subsidy. Are Central government schemes meant to enrich BJP?” Gogoi further added.

PM Modi launched the Kisan Sampada scheme to double the income of farmers of India. But in Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma used his influence to help his wife’s firm get Rs 10 crore as part of credit linked subsidy. Are Central government schemes meant to enrich BJP ? pic.twitter.com/ITqzrBCe4c

— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) September 13, 2023

Replying to these accusations CM Biswa said, “I would like to clarify that neither my wife nor the company she is associated with has ever received any financial subsidies from the Government of India.”

I would like to clarify that neither my wife nor the company she is associated with has ever received any financial subsidies from the Government of India https://t.co/oqGG21nEp6

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 13, 2023

As the Congress presented documents to back up its claim, Gogoi stated that the chief minister should notify the Centre if the website is hacked. “The Ministry of Food Processing website clearly shows the person’s name and the company with which she is associated. The Rs 10 crore government grant has also been approved. Please report to the Union Minister if their website has been hacked,” Gogoi wrote on Twitter.

The Ministry of Food Processing website clearly shows the name of the person and the company she is associated with. The Rs 10 crore government grant has also been approved. Please report to the Union Minister if their website has been hacked. https://t.co/INLdu603Kh

— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) September 13, 2023

“For the convenience of the Hon’ble Chief Minister I am attaching the link to the website of the Ministry of Food Processing. It shows the list of companies and promoters who have received the ₹10 crore government subsidy. Please see serial 10,” Gogoi wrote. The document enlists Riniki Bhuyan Sharma’s Pride East Entertainment Private Limited as one of the agro-processing cluster projects under APC Scheme.

For the convenience of the Hon’ble Chief Minister I am attaching the link to the website of the Ministry of Food Processing. It shows the list of companies and promoters who have received the Rs 10 crore government subsidy. Please see serial 10.https://t.co/rR2m9PH8DX https://t.co/O9krRaDSRW

— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) September 13, 2023

Rajasthan: Congress holds key state unit meeting

August 28, 2023, 3:26 pm

Rajasthan Congress Screening Committee President Gaurav Gogoi, along with other party leaders, met in Jaipur ahead of the state assembly elections on Monday. The meeting was also attended by State Unit President Govind Singh Dotasara and co-incharge Amrita Dhawan.

Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Mamta Bhupesh, Tikaram Julie, Govindram Meghwal, Ramesh Meena, and Murari Lal Meena are cabinet ministers.

While attending the meeting, cabinet minister Pratap Singh Khachariawas said “The Congress party runs on the voice of the public, keeping in mind what the common man thinks, what the public representative should be in his eyes, the Congress gives tickets keeping all these things in mind.

‘Today BJP leaders abuse Congress everyday and the public is abusing BJP because the gas cylinder which Gehlot government is providing in Rajasthan for ₹ 500, the central government is charging ₹ 1100 to ₹ 1200 for it.”

Rajasthan will vote later this year, with the BJP and the ruling Congress locked in a straight fight.

Women and Child Development Minister Mamta Bhupesh said “The chairman of the screening committee has come here and I think this will give more strength to the election process.

“Along with the discussion about what is happening, the Government’s Vision 2030 and the issues with which it should go among the public and serve the public, all these issues will be discussed. There is an atmosphere in favour of Congress in Rajasthan, therefore a large number of candidates are coming forward in every assembly constituency.”

If Manipur is burning, then India is burning, says Gogoi during debate on no-trust motion

August 8, 2023, 1:26 pm

The debate on the no-trust motion in the Lok Sabha was opened by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who stated that the Opposition had tabled this move for Manipur. During his speech in the House, Gogoi was heard saying, “If Manipur is burning, then India is burning.”

The MP raised a total of 3 questions for PM Narendra Modi as “Why did he not visit Manipur to date? Why did it take almost 80 days for him to address the issue? Why has Modi not sacked the Manipur CM so far?”

The no-trust debate is scheduled to last until Thursday, August 10, when Prime Minister Modi will respond. The debate will span 16 hours and will feature 15 speakers. PM Modi remarked at a BJP Parliamentary meeting before of the no-confidence motion in Parliament that the resolution proposed by the INDIA group is “only a program for them, but an opportunity for us.”

The Prime Minister also stated that the ruling NDA’s mantra of freeing India from corruption and dynastic politics remains unchanged, and that the Opposition alliance is beset by mutual distrust.

Meanwhile, Earlier, on Tuesday, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar reprimanded Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien for “unruly behavior.” Union Minister Piyush Goyal proposed the resolution to suspend O’Brien, which sparked a heated discussion between the two. Both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha have been adjourned until today at noon.

Lok Sabha likely to discuss no-confidence motion on August 8,9; reply expected on August 10

August 1, 2023, 2:22 pm

The no-confidence resolution against the BJP-led government is set to be discussed in the Lok Sabha on August 8 and 9, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to respond on August 10, according to sources.
The Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, this week agreed to accept the vote of no confidence brought up by I.N.D.I.A.-affiliated opposition parties. Following days of protest over their demand for a thorough discussion on the violence in Manipur and a response from the Prime Minister, the opposition had given notice for the motion of no confidence.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi had given notice for a no-confidence motion on July 26 on behalf of opposition parties of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A) alliance.
After the motion was admitted, the Speaker said that the day and time of the debate will be decided later.
The government had said it is ready for debate on the no-confidence motion on the time decided by the Speaker.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi files a no-confidence motion notice against government in Lok Sabha

July 26, 2023, 11:20 am

Congressman Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday filed a notice for a no-confidence motion against the government in the Lok Sabha amid the impasse in Parliament over the Manipur situation. The opposition I.N.D.I.A alliance parties met on Tuesday and decided to bring a no-confidence motion. Gogoi, an MP from the northeast, represents Assam’s Kaliabor constituency. No-confidence motions are a way for opposition MPs to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi for clarification on a variety of issues, including the violence in Manipur, even though they are aware that the majority of votes in the Lok Sabha are in the government’s favor.

Manickam Tagore, Congress Whip in Lok Sabha said INDIA alliance is together and it had proposed the idea of no-confidence motion. “Yesterday it was decided. Today, Congress party’s leader is moving it. We wanted to break the arrogance of Mr Modi. He is behaving as an arrogant person – not to come to the Parliament and make a statement on Manipur…We feel that it is our duty to use this last weapon,” he said.
AAP MP Raghav Chadha said that some parliamentary procedures are used to have a long-duration discussion and to compel the government to give a reply.

“Many a time in India’s Parliamentary history, critical instruments of debate, dialogue and discussion within Parliament are exercised. Regardless of the outcome of those instruments and motions, they are exercised with the sole objective of a long-duration discussion on an important issue subsequent to which the PM of India is compelled to come to Parliament and respond to the issues raised by the people and the Members of the Lok Sabha,” he said.
“I think these parliamentary instruments actually strengthen India’s democracy and must be exercised time again and again to pressurise the government to come before the Lok Sabha and answer the questions,” he added.
Opposition parties have been protesting in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha over their demand for a detailed discussion on the Manipur violence and statement from the Prime Minister on the issue. They have been giving adjournment motion notices.

Since the start of the monsoon session of Parliament on July 20, the two Houses have been adjourned numerous times. The government has moved forward with some legislative tasks despite opposition chanting. According to sources in the Congress, Gaurav Gogoi represents a district in the northeast, and his announcement of a motion of no confidence symbolizes the attack the opposition is mounting on Manipur, the state that has experienced ethnic violence.