Not witch hunt, only national security interests: Himanta on Congress MP's wife's ISI-link allegation

Assam CM denies witch hunt, emphasizes national security amid controversy over Congress MP's alleged ISI links.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he is not on a "witch hunt" over the controversy surrounding Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife Elizabeth Colburn's alleged links with the ISI.

Reacting to a post on X by another Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi, Sarma on Tuesday said he is driven by national security, which cannot be compromised.

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"You will be shocked in the coming months. Let me assure you, with all the responsibility vested in me, this is not a witch hunt. I, too, have served under Sri Tarun Gogoi, and I fully understand the gravity of such actions," the CM said.

Mr. Sarma and the BJP have been attacking Gaurav Gogoi, the Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, over Colburn's alleged connection with Pakistan's spy agency.

"What I am doing is driven solely by national security interests — an area where there can be no compromise. I have taken an oath to protect the security and sovereignty of our nation, and I will uphold it, no matter what," Mr. Sarma asserted.

"This is a duty that transcends politics and personal ties — this is about our country," he added.