Citizenship – Gogoi Warns Legal Action Over Children’s Data Disclosure
Citizenship – A fresh political dispute has erupted in Assam after state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of revealing sensitive information about his minor children in public statements.
The row has intensified political tensions in the state, with Gogoi warning that he may seek legal remedies under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Dispute Over Disclosure of Minors’ Details
Gogoi on Monday said he is considering approaching the courts, alleging that the Chief Minister disclosed private details concerning his nine-year-old son and five-year-old daughter. He referred to provisions under Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act, which bars the disclosure of a child’s identity in public records or media.
The controversy began after Sarma, speaking publicly on Sunday, claimed that Gogoi had given up his son’s Indian passport to enable the child to acquire British citizenship. According to the Chief Minister, the boy’s Indian passport reportedly mentioned his religion as Hindu, while the religion field was left blank in the British passport. Sarma further alleged that the religion of Gogoi’s daughter had been listed as Christian since birth.
Gogoi termed the statements inappropriate and maintained that private information about minors should not be part of political exchanges.
SIT Probe and Pakistan Visit Questioned
The exchange between the two leaders also revived questions surrounding Gogoi’s 2013 visit to Pakistan, which is currently under scrutiny by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Gogoi stated that he had intentionally not challenged the probe in court, saying he did not want to provide grounds for allegations that he was attempting to obstruct the investigation.
He criticized the Chief Minister for failing to present evidence supporting earlier claims that he acted in the interest of another country. Gogoi said the government’s position had shifted over time — first suggesting he needed prior approval for the visit as a Member of Parliament, and later acknowledging that the trip took place before he assumed that role.
Clarification on Travel to Pakistan
Providing details of the visit, Gogoi said he had travelled to Pakistan shortly after his marriage. His wife, he explained, was employed under an international climate programme and worked in the country for about a year.
While the couple had initially planned to stay in Lahore, Gogoi said he obtained permission to travel to Islamabad, where his wife was posted. He also mentioned visiting Takshashila, an ancient archaeological site associated with the Indus Valley Civilisation, describing it as a place of historical interest.
Responding on social media platform X, the Chief Minister questioned this account. Sarma noted that Takshashila is located in Rawalpindi district rather than Islamabad and asked how Gogoi could have travelled there if his visa was restricted to specific cities.
Allegations Regarding Wife’s Professional Role
Another allegation raised by the Chief Minister concerned Gogoi’s wife and claims that she had shared Intelligence Bureau-related reports with Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.
Gogoi rejected the accusation, stating that as part of the climate programme, his wife was required to submit data and reports. He clarified that any information referenced in her work was sourced from publicly available media reports. He also said she had closed her Pakistani bank account after relocating to India, adding that it had been opened solely to manage routine expenses during her stay.
Political Implications
The episode has added a new dimension to the ongoing political rivalry between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress in Assam. While Gogoi has indicated he may pursue legal remedies over the alleged disclosure of his children’s details, the Chief Minister has continued to question aspects of his Pakistan visit and related matters.
With both leaders standing firm on their positions, the controversy is likely to remain a focal point in the state’s political discourse in the coming days.