Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi from Assam has accused the BJP of engaging in “smear campaigns” and using “defamation as political strategy,” specifically aiming to involve his wife for supposed political advantage. In an exclusive podcast interview with Preeti Choudhry on India Today, Gogoi addressed the ongoing attacks against his wife, who has been labeled by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as connected to Pakistan’s ISI.
Choudhry highlighted the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “These are not just rhetorical; these are grave and anti-national allegations,” emphasizing how the ruling party in Assam has repeatedly revisited this controversy. In response, Gogoi remarked, “What would the BJP be without defamation and mudslinging? This is their bread and butter. Propaganda, smear campaigns, and disregarding a woman’s character is second nature to them.”
He condemned the BJP for routinely employing character assassination as a political tactic, citing a history of derogatory remarks aimed at female leaders: “They’ve called a former Prime Minister ‘goongi gudiya,’ used terms like ‘Jersey Cow,’ ‘50 crore girlfriend,’ and even alleged connections with the Chinese Communist Party.”
When questioned about the personal and political impact of the accusations against his wife as an alleged ISI agent, Gogoi expressed confidence in the public’s intelligence. “I think people are smarter. Why negate the wisdom of people? If there was any truth, journalists like you would have uncovered it by now,” he stated.
While he did not mention his wife by name during the discussion, Gogoi made it clear that the allegations are part of a larger scheme to divert attention from significant issues and silence opposing voices. “This reflects a deeper insecurity within the BJP,” he noted.
This marks Gogoi’s first extensive public response since taking on the role of President of the Assam Pradesh Congress. His statements reflect both his personal distress and political determination to counter what he terms “systematic defamation politics” being propagated at both the state and national levels.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/gaurav-gogoi-slams-bjps-isi-slur-on-his-wife-as-insecure-smear-tactic-1251107-2025-07-26?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-07-26 22:29:00
