Gaurav Gogoi maintained proximity with the Pakistani establishment: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Sarma said he would make proofs against Gogoi and his British wife Elizabeth public once a Special Investigation Team (SIT) completes its investigation.

Gogoi, who is set to take over as the Assam Congress president, rebutted the charges and claimed he visited Pakistan in 2013 with his wife who was employed in the neighbouring country on a climate change project.

Responding to the allegations, Gogoi said as quoted by Livemint, "About 14-15 years ago, my wife, who is a well-known expert in public policy, worked on an international project in South Asia focused on climate change. She spent one year there, including some time in Pakistan, before returning to India around 2012-13. I also remember going with her once around 2013."

"Since then, she has continued her work and took a new job in 2015. I also remember going with her once in 2013. Their (the BJP's) job is defamation and by raking this issue they are creating this whole thing like a C-grade Bollywood movie which they have said would be released on September 10. But that is going to be a flop miserably," he added.

He even asked why had not the central government acted against him over the last 11 years.

After Gogoi's defence, the Chief Minister ramped up his attack said posted on X, "Finally , Congress MP Shri Gaurav Gogoi has admitted that he visited Pakistan. But let us be very clear — this is just the beginning, not the end. What lies ahead is far more serious.

"There exists every reasonable ground, supported by credible inputs and documented information, to suggest that Shri Gogoi has maintained proximity with the Pakistani establishment. The Government of Assam, committed to transparency and accountability, will make everything public on 10th September, once the Special Investigation Team (SIT) concludes its comprehensive inquiry."

"The people of Assam and the nation deserve the truth — and they shall have it, in full. But the people will also not forget — nor forgive — the Congress party and Shri Rahul Gandhi for deliberately promoting such a dangerous and compromised individual into the public life of our country," he added.

Sarma alleged Gogoi was in Pakistan even when his wife was in India.

The Chief Minister alleged Gogoi's wife had advised Pakistani agents on matters of climate change.

"The Assam Congress president has confessed to visiting Pakistan, now I can tell you that he was there even when his wife was in India. His wife had access to intelligence documents, basis which she advised Pak agents on climate change," he alleged.