HT Correspondent
JORHAT, Feb 9: Union Minister of State Pabitra Margherita on Monday criticised Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi and the Congress for what he described as attempts to mislead the public by equating Gogoi’s personal visit to Pakistan with official foreign visits undertaken by the Prime Minister, diplomats or Indian sportspersons.
Addressing a press conference at Abart Bhawan here, Margherita said that every foreign visit of the Prime Minister is conducted transparently, with details available to the public in real time through official channels and social media.
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In contrast, he alleged that Gogoi stayed in Pakistan for 10 days without any information being available in the public domain.
He pointed out that at the time of the visit, Gogoi was not even a Member of Parliament but only the son of former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi.
The minister alleged that Gogoi is now attempting to project himself as a follower and promoter of Sanatan Dharma by visiting satras and namghars, but claimed that such efforts are being rejected by the public.
Margherita further alleged that members of Gogoi’s family have adopted another religion and do not hold Indian citizenship, which, he said, has led to public resistance despite Gogoi’s visits to religious institutions.
Margherita also criticised Gogoi for what he termed as evasive responses during a press conference held earlier in the day.
He alleged that Gogoi failed to clearly explain the purpose of his 10-day stay in Pakistan and merely claimed that he went there to see places his wife had visited.
“Is that enough justification, and did it really require ten days?” the minister asked.
Citing available information, Margherita claimed that Gogoi’s visa was issued for three locations in Pakistan, but that he also visited Taxila, which falls under Rawalpindi.
He demanded clarity on who granted permission for travel to additional locations and under what circumstances.
The minister also pointed out that after Gogoi’s wife was transferred to another country, Gogoi remained in India for some time before travelling to Pakistan, and said the people of Assam deserve clear answers on these issues.
He further remarked that while senior ministers’ overseas visits are communicated transparently, Gogoi was active on social media until just before his Pakistan visit, went silent for the duration of the trip, and resumed activity after returning.
“These details must be made public,” Margherita said.
Commenting on the recently announced Union Budget, the minister said it has been framed to benefit people across all sections of society and has received appreciation globally.
He added that Assam and the northeastern region stand to gain significantly, particularly in agriculture, industry and employment generation, with enhanced allocation of central funds.
