Guwahati: Congress MP and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi on Monday, February 9, said he would take Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to court for allegedly dragging his minor children into a political controversy. Speaking at a press conference in Guwahati, Gogoi said references made by the chief minister to his five-year-old and nine-year-old children had “crossed all limits of political decency.”
The remarks come amid escalating political exchanges in the city following the release of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report concerning alleged links involving Gogoi and his wife.
Assam MP Gaurav Gogoi has threatened legal action against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for allegedly referencing his minor children during a political press conference. Speaking in Guwahati on February 9, Gogoi said he would approach the court under the Juvenile Justice Act if such remarks continued.
Gogoi’s Response from Guwahati
Addressing reporters, Gogoi said political disagreements must remain confined to leaders and policies, not families. He stated he was prepared to face allegations personally but objected to any mention of his children.
“I am ready to face any allegation made against me. But dragging my children into political attacks is something I will not tolerate,” he said, adding that he would pursue legal remedies if necessary.
Background to the Controversy
The exchange follows a press conference in Dispur on February 8 where CM Sarma presented findings from an SIT report regarding alleged links involving Gogoi and his wife, Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi. During that briefing, the chief minister made remarks concerning the couple’s children in relation to religion and citizenship.
Sarma has said the SIT is examining alleged activities which, according to him, involve questions of national interest. Gogoi has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Political Temperature Rises in Guwahati
The issue has intensified political debate in Guwahati, where both leaders addressed the media within 24 hours. Congress leaders in the city have called the comments inappropriate, while the ruling party has maintained that the matter pertains to issues raised in the SIT report.
Gogoi accused the chief minister of spreading misinformation and said such statements had brought embarrassment to Assam at the national level. He reiterated that political rivalry should not descend into personal attacks.
What Happens Next
Gogoi indicated he may invoke provisions under the Juvenile Justice Act if further references are made. No legal petition has yet been filed as of Monday. The developments are likely to keep Guwahati at the centre of the state’s political discourse in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Gaurav Gogoi threaten legal action?
He objected to alleged references made by the chief minister to his minor children during a political press conference.
What law did Gogoi mention?
He referred to seeking recourse under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Has a case been filed yet?
As of February 9, no court petition has been officially filed.
What triggered the controversy?
The controversy arose after remarks made during a press conference on the SIT report concerning alleged links involving Gogoi and his wife.
