Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has recently intensified his criticism of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, asserting that Gogoi has minimal commitment to Assam and is merely a "tourist" in the state. This remark is part of an ongoing political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in Assam. Sarma has also repeatedly alleged links between Gogoi and Pakistan, further fueling the controversy.

Sarma's allegations have included claims that Gogoi visited Pakistan on the invitation of the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) and has close ties with the Pakistani establishment. He stated that he possesses solid evidence to support these claims, initially promising its release by September 10. Gogoi has vehemently refuted these allegations, dismissing Sarma as a "troll" and challenging him to resign if the claims prove false.

The Chief Minister has also accused Gogoi of being "mentally fixated on Pakistan," alleging that even when attempting to criticize Sarma, Gogoi's examples and mindset remain centered there. Sarma suggests that this "Pakistan-centric mindset" reflects the ideological bankruptcy of the Congress in Assam, hindering their ability to address governance, development, and public welfare issues. These comments followed Gogoi's accusations that Sarma was attempting to divide society along religious lines and questioned his repeated references to Pakistan in political speeches.

Adding another layer to the controversy, Sarma claimed to have documents proving that Gogoi and his wife, Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi, are involved in "anti-India activities". He alleged that Gogoi's wife was involved in collecting intelligence for a climate lobby and that he would reveal their relationship with the Pakistan army and interior department.

In response to these escalating allegations, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to investigate the purported Pakistan links of Gaurav Gogoi and his wife. Sarma announced that the SIT report would be made public on February 8, following a cabinet meeting on February 7 to approve a memorandum on the issue. He claimed that the SIT interrogated 22-25 individuals, including Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi, and found sufficient evidence indicating Pakistani links. Sarma stated that the SIT presented evidence against Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Gaurav Gogoi, and Elizabeth Colburn, leaving cabinet members "surprised".

Gogoi has accused Sarma of attempting to divert attention from his potential loss in the upcoming state elections by making these allegations. He stated that he visited Pakistan in 2013 when his wife was employed there for a climate change project.