Assam CM's ISI Claim: A Look Back at Past Political Controversies

A recent statement by the Assam Chief Minister, alleging a link between the wife of Jorhat Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, has drawn significant attention. This assertion has led to discussions about its timing, particularly given the upcoming elections.

This type of high-profile claim is not unprecedented in Assam's political history. A notable instance dates back to February 2014, when then-Lakhimpur Congress MP Ranee Narah made a claim regarding a "sensitive" pen drive. She suggested the pen drive contained information indicating Sarbananda Sonowal had received funds from Pawan Singh Ghatowar, then Congress MP from Dibrugarh.

This claim garnered considerable media attention. In response, Sarbananda Sonowal publicly challenged Ranee Narah to disclose the pen drive's contents, questioning the basis of her allegations. Following this, Ranee Narah's claims receded from public discussion.

In 2016, Sarbananda Sonowal became the first BJP Chief Minister of Assam, signifying a notable shift in the state's political landscape.

Observers are now noting similarities between the 2014 incident and the current allegations. They suggest that the recent ISI-related claim has, perhaps unintentionally, brought Gaurav Gogoi into a more prominent position within Assam politics. His responses to the accusations have contributed to his public profile as a figure navigating challenging political situations.

Such allegations, regardless of their origin, can often influence political trajectories. The current events appear to echo past dynamics, featuring different individuals but within a similar political context.