Guwahati, Feb 20: Priyanka Gandhi on February 20 mounted a strong defence of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, describing attacks on him as a sign that he is “walking on the right path,” amid allegations levelled by Himanta Biswa Sarma over purported Pakistan links.
Addressing reporters, Priyanka Gandhi drew a distinction between two kinds of political leadership. “There are two types of leaders — one, those with a positive mindset and others who believe in polarisation and attacking people,” she said. She asserted that Gogoi and his family were being targeted because of his political stand, adding, “It is like a badge of honour.”
The remarks come in the backdrop of an escalating political confrontation in Assam. Sarma has repeatedly alleged that Gogoi and his wife had links to Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, claiming there was a larger design to undermine India’s development interests.
The Chief Minister earlier said that the matter, initially probed by a state Special Investigation Team, had been handed over to a central agency. “We have transferred this case with proofs to the Central government and the Central government will investigate the matter,” Sarma stated.
Priyanka Gandhi, however, urged the Assam Chief Minister to focus on governance and development rather than personal allegations. “You should tell the CM to talk about the development of Assam and what he has done for the state,” she said, framing the controversy as a political distraction.
With Assembly elections approaching, the exchange has intensified the political battle in Assam, with both sides sharpening their rhetoric.
