BJP emerged as the single-largest party, winning 82 seats, followed by Congress in a distant second with 19 seats. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday urged Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi to defend his father, Tarun Gogoi, who was indicted by a government report in the ‘cash-for-job’ scam in state civil services recruitment. During a discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s speech in the Assam Assembly, Mr Sarma said that he had to table the report after Congress insisted.

“I want Gaurav Gogoi that being the son of Tarun Gogoi, he must defend his father. Strangely, three days have passed since the report came out and accusations were levelled against his father, but there is no statement. These are the warriors of new Assam…Tarun Gogoi is no more, and I never wanted people to remember him associating him with corruption in APSC,” the Chief Minister said.

The report, which probed into the anomalies in the conduct of the Assam Public Service Commission’s (APSC) Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) in 2013 and 2014, was tabled in the state assembly earlier this week. The report highlighted the role of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in appointing the prime accused Rakesh Kumar Paul first as a member and later as chairman of the APSC.

It states that Mr Paul’s appointment was based solely on a personal application he submitted to Mr Gogoi on September 6, 2008 – without any formal selection process or background verification. The process was “ill-founded, paving the way for widespread corruption”. It also mentioned that Mr Paul made APSC a “shop selling jobs”.

It was also mentioned that Mr Paul had gifted gold jewellery to Gaurav Gogoi as a wedding gift.

The Assam Chief Minister alleged that the opposition leader did not declare to the Income Tax Department about the expensive gifts he received during his wedding.

“Anyone can receive gifts at a wedding, no problem with that. It has to be reported to Income Tax. I have read his 2014 election affidavit and this jewellery was not shown there. We all know that gift tax is 30 per cent. Gaurav has not denied taking the gifts in the last three days,” he said.

He further told the assembly that one day, he will resent a comparison document between the “dark history” of Congress tenure and BJP’s “transparent and clean” system in the recruitment process of the state.

Row over Gaurav Gogoi’s Pakistani links

In another issue, Mr Sarma also hit out at Gaurav Gogoi over his alleged Pakistan links in the state assembly.

A controversy erupted on February 12 when BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged that Mr Gogoi’s wife Elizabeth Colburn shared ties with the ISI while she worked with the Climate and Knowledge Development Network in Islamabad under Ali Tauqeer Sheikh Sheikh, a former advisor to the Planning Commission of Pakistan. Mr Sarma, without naming Mr Gogoi, also raised similar accusations the same day, prompting a sharp retort from the Congress leader.

On Monday, the Chief Minister said that Ms Colburn will be probed over her alleged links with Pakistan and her alleged participation in the Lok Sabha election campaigns despite being a British citizen.

“Pakistani national Ali Sheikh against whom the state government has filed an FIR for his comments that could disturb internal harmony in the country, travelled to India at least 18 times between 2010 and 2018, Assam Police has found in its preliminary investigation. The SIT probing the matter found only in three days that Sheikh travelled multiple times to India. In the detailed investigation, we will get to know who brought him to India and who met Sheikh. This information will be revealed in the next few days,” Mr Sarma told the assembly.

He added, “The initial information I got in this matter will be very fatal for the Congress party. It will be very difficult for them to handle…The committee report was just 10 per cent. This Pak links matter is 1000 per cent and it is going to be huge.”

Guwahati:

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday ordered the registration of a case against a Pakistani national, who is believed to have links with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s wife, for “trying to interfere in domestic matters” of the state and the country. 

Mr Sarma also said that Elizabeth Colburn, Mr Gogoi’s wife, will also be probed over her alleged links with Pakistan and its intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Besides, she will also be investigated over her alleged participation in the Lok Sabha election campaigns despite being a British citizen.

The erstwhile Kaliabor constituency was won by Mr Gogoi twice, from 2014 till 2024. 

The developments that took place during a cabinet meeting came a day after Mr Gogoi threatened to approach court over Mr Sarma and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s accusations against his wife. 

There was no immediate reaction from the Congress leader on Mr Sarma’s latest comment but earlier in the day, he said he does not want to get involved in “dirty and baseless” politics. He had also rejected the charges as “laughable and entertaining” in the past.

Addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Mr Sarma said: “Multiple news reports, social media posts and other information in the public domain have surfaced regarding certain comments made by a Pakistan national, Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, aimed at disrupting communal harmony in Assam. Given the broader national security implications of this issue, particularly in Assam, the state cabinet has directed the DGP to register a case against Sheikh under appropriate provisions of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) and other relevant laws.” 

The Chief Minister also alleged that an assessment of Mr Sheikh’s social media activity and information available in the public domain shows he has been in contact with Ms Colburn.

“Apart from his engagements with Government of Pakistan, Ali Sheikh has also founded LEAD Pakistan, a non-profit organisation working in the field of climate change. Elizabeth Gogoi was an integral part of LEAD Pakistan during her time spent in Islamabad. Both Sheikh and Elizabeth Gogoi have been a part of global climate action group called the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) which operates in both India and Pakistan,” he said. 

In light of these facts and given the historical attempts of Pakistani state and non-state actors to destabilise Assam, the state government took Mr Sheikh’s attempts to interfere in the domestic matters of the state and India with utmost seriousness, he added. 

A controversy erupted on February 12 when BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged that Ms Colburn shared ties with the ISI while she worked with the Climate and Knowledge Development Network in Islamabad under Mr Sheikh, a former advisor to the Planning Commission of Pakistan.

Mr Sarma, without naming Mr Gogoi, also raised similar accusations the same day, prompting a sharp retort from the Congress leader. He counter attacked with a movie reference. “If Salman Khan’s wife can be an ISI agent like in ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’, then I must be a RAW agent too,” Mr Gogoi said. 

On Saturday, Mr Sarma said a police case is likely to be registered and a Special Investigation Team be constituted to probe into the allegations against the opposition leader’s wife.

The Chief Minister alleged that after Ms Colburn married Mr Gogoi, Mr Sheikh must have gained access to the Chief Minister’s Office. 

He also alleged that Mr Gogoi’s visit to the Pakistan embassy has been confirmed. “In the Lok Sabha, the MP asked questions on nuclear radars, uranium mines in Meghalaya and other such sensitive matters. What was the need to know such things by an Assam MP? I hope he and his wife will cooperate in the probe, otherwise they will be summoned,” he said. 

Mr Sarma also alleged that Ms Colburn campaigned for her husband prior to two Lok Sabha elections in Kaliabor constituency.

“How could a British national take part in Indian elections? She was directly involved with the election process and we can see old TV clippings. That means she violated visa norms. If so, the Indian government should examine it and revoke her visa,” he said.

The Chief Minister said when he meets Union Home Minister Amit Shah the next time, he will discuss how the state government’s proactiveness can be synergised with central agencies.

It looks like Mr Gogoi is just an actor, and not the director, in the entire system, Mr Sarma said. “Maybe, he is trapped unintentionally. So, we will examine the matter with a sympathetic outlook. We don’t want to accuse him at this moment,” he said. 

“The way London, America and Islamabad are involved, he may be blackmailed also, who knows about it? Therefore, the entire subject requires serious deep investigation,” he added.

Mr Sarma said he will submit “all documents” to state Congress President Bhupen Borah, so that they can verify the facts themselves. “Perhaps, the Congress is unaware of the full picture,” he said. 

“When the case is investigated, I will write a letter to Borah to inform him about the background and the reasons behind our decision to pursue the matter. The letter I will give to the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and Home Minister (Amit Shah) will also be given to INC chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Borah. This is a matter of national security,” he said. 

Earlier in the day, Mr Gogoi said that instead of getting involved in “dirty and baseless” politics, the Congress is working on how to give a new economy, social order, education and health policy to Assam. “I have no objection to that if he (Mr Sarma) wants to spend the next 12 months like this only. I am grateful for that,” the Congress leader said.

New Delhi:

The Assam cabinet led by Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will discuss the ‘national security” angle of alleged Pakistani links of the wife of Gaurav Gogoi, Congress MP from Assam and Deputy Opposition Leader in the Lok Sabha. In a post on X, without naming Mr Gogoi, Mr Sarma said: “On February 16, the Assam Cabinet will deliberate on whether the recent revelations concerning an MP from Assam have any implications for national security. The discussion will focus on assessing the matter objectively and thoroughly, ensuring that any necessary actions are taken from a completely nonpartisan standpoint”.

Earlier, Mr Sarma alleged that Mr Gogoi raised questions in Parliament on sensitive defence matters after his marriage to a British citizen. 

There have been social media posts by pro-BJP handles alleging that Elizabeth Colebourn, wife of Mr Gogoi, allegedly had professional ties with ISI-linked Pakistani individuals during her time in Islamabad. She has worked directly under Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, a former advisor to the Planning Commission of Pakistan, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia has alleged.

In another post, Mr Sarma said: “In 2015, the Pakistani High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit, invited a first-term Member of Parliament (MP) and his startup, Policy for Youth, to discuss India-Pakistan relations at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. 

Notably, this MP was not a member of the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs at the time, raising questions about the intent behind his engagement. This visit occurred despite India’s official protest against the Pakistani High Commission’s interference in internal matters, particularly its involvement with the Hurriyat Conference. Ignoring these concerns, the MP took 50 to 60 young Indians to meet Pakistani officials.”

“Soon after, his startup published an article in a newspaper, criticising the Border Security Force’s handling of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. A closer examination of his parliamentary questions revealed a growing focus on sensitive defence matters, including inquiries about Coast Guard radar installations, India’s arms factories, aeronautical defence, transit routes for trade with Iran, Kashmiri students, and alleged attacks on churches-marking a noticeable shift in his areas of interest. Interestingly, these developments occurred immediately after his marriage to a British citizen with a professional background that raises further questions. Before their marriage, she had worked for an American senator known for close ties with the Pakistani establishment and later spent time in Pakistan, employed by an organization widely believed to be a front for the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The timing of these events adds another layer of intrigue to the MP’s evolving political stance and actions.”

Sarma continued, “Post-Pakistan High Commission Meeting: Defence and Security Questions Raised in Parliament The 26/11 Mumbai attacks exposed critical vulnerabilities in India’s coastal security. In this context, Question No. 2, raised by the Hon’ble MP, specifically sought detailed information on coastal radar stations, including their specifications and costs. Key Questions That Arise: Why would an MP from Assam-a landlocked state-seek classified details on coastal radar systems? What was the necessity of putting such sensitive information in the public domain? Why was this inquiry made shortly after the MP’s meeting with the Pakistani High Commissioner? Given the national security implications, can this be dismissed as a mere coincidence?

He posted a picture of Gaurav Gogoi with the ambassador. The accompanying text read, “Such a high-level interaction with the ambassador of an adversarial nation requires MEA approval and a post-meeting debriefing. Hope the Hon’ble MP complied with these requirements, as national security must always take precedence over politics”.

On Wednesday, Gaurav Gogoi responded with a sarcastic remark. “If Salman Khan’s wife can be an ISI agent like in Tiger Zinda Hai, then I must be a RAW agent too,” he said.

He claimed that the allegations are baseless and politically motivated and the Chief Minister was making these claims because of cases of alleged land grabbing against his family.

“It is something laughable, BJP has nothing to do. Some one’s land grabbing cases are unearthed one after another, defamation cases are being filed one after another. These are baseless allegations without any substance. This shows their weakness and the fact that they are fast losing ground,” he said.

The MP further alleged that the Chief Minister is “tense” because the new BJP president Dilip Saikia “will become chief minister in another two or three months”.

“The BJP leadership in New Delhi knows about the land cases of the Sarma family and he is worried about getting replaced. This is a ploy to save himself,” he had added.

Guwahati:

The BJP has claimed that the wife of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has links with Pakistan and its intelligence agency ISI, drawing a sharp retort from the leader. 

BJP Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged on Wednesday that Elizabeth Colebourn, the wife of Mr Gogoi, had ties with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) while she worked with the Climate and Knowledge Development Network (CDKN) in Islamabad under Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, a former advisor to the Planning Commission of Pakistan. Ms Colebourn allegedly continues to hold British citizenship.

After similar allegations were also made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, without naming Mr Gogoi, the Congress’ deputy leader in the Lok Sabha hit back with a movie reference and said sarcastically that he must then be a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent. The Congress MP also said that the Assam chief minister was making the claims because of cases of alleged land grabbing against his family. 

Claiming that it was a matter of national security, BJP Spokesperson Bhatia posted on X, “Very disturbing and serious facts have come to light that the Deputy Leader of Opposition, Gaurav Gogoi and his wife have links with Pakistan and the ISI. I am saying this with some responsibility that Gaurav Gogoi’s wife Elizabeth Colburn (sic), has links with Tauqir Sheikh (sic), who happens to be the advisor in the Pakistan Planning Commission.”

“This is a serious issue which poses a threat to the national security of the country therefore we wish to ask Mr. Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge that Gaurav Gogoi needs to come out and give clear details of Elizabeth’s association with ISI and Pakistan…Why is Elizabeth Colburn working with Pakistani ISI agents,” he asked.

Referring to Mr Gandhi’s remarks on “fighting the BJP, the RSS and the Indian state itself”, Mr Bhatia continued, “Are they working in furtherance of the statement made by Mr Rahul Gandhi that the fight of Rahul Gandhi and Congress is with the Indian state? Will the Congress start supporting ISI and Pakistan to make their political ends meet… Why is it that the Congress party always turns out to be the best friend of Pakistan and ISI when it comes to conspiring against India?”

‘Ecosystem Involved’

Without giving details or naming Mr Gogoi, Assam Chief Minister Sarma questioned if foreign powers – linked to US billionaire George Soros’ “ecosystem” – had influenced a major decision of Assam Congress in 2014. 

In a series of posts on X, Mr Sarma wrote, “Serious questions need to be answered regarding allegations of ISI links, leading young individuals to the Pakistan Embassy for brainwashing and radicalisation, and the refusal to take Indian citizenship for the past 12 years. Additionally, participation in a conversion cartel and receiving funds from external sources, including George Soros, to destabilise national security are grave concerns that cannot be ignored. At some point, accountability will be necessary. Simply deflecting responsibility or attempting to shift the focus onto others will not serve as an easy escape route. The nation deserves transparency and truth”.

The chief minister added, “During my interactions with an IFS (Indian Foreign Service) officer in Singapore, I learned that officers in the Indian Foreign Service cannot marry a foreign national without prior permission from the Government of India. Moreover, even when permission is granted, it comes with the condition that the spouse must acquire Indian citizenship within six months. Interestingly, this rule does not apply to our lawmakers. However, allowing a foreign spouse of a lawmaker to retain foreign citizenship for 12 years is far too long. Loyalty to the nation must always take precedence over all other considerations,” he added. 

‘Ploy To Save Himself’

Gaurav Gogoi counterattacked with a movie reference. 

“If Salman Khan’s wife can be an ISI agent like in ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’, then I must be a RAW agent too,” Mr Gogoi said. 

“It is something laughable, the BJP has nothing to do. Someone’s land-grabbing cases are unearthed one after another, defamation cases are being filed one after another. These are baseless allegations without any substance. This shows their weakness and the fact that they are fast losing ground,” he said. 

“Those who make such allegations must see their family is facing cases of land grabbing and engaged in the debate of setting up a resort. The Assam chief minister is tense that the new BJP president Dilip Saikia will become chief minister in another two or three months. The BJP leadership in New Delhi knows about the land cases of the Sarma family and he is worried about getting replaced. This is a ploy to save himself,” the Congress MP alleged.

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy
| Photo Credit: PTI

After Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy reignited debates on work-life balance, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday (December 4, 2024) responded and expressed his disagreement to the tech tycoon’s statement supporting grinding, relentless work hours — an ‘overwork culture.’

Gaurav Gogoi countered Narayana Murthy’s beliefs of work-life balance as an indulgent myth and highlighted the perspective where the traditional division of labor between men and women in the household is being challenged, in context to work-life balance. Mr. Gogoi shared his disagreement with Narayan Murthy’s view on work-life balance, who is known for his strong stance on the importance of work-life balance. Mr. Gaurav Gogoi suggested that the concept of a “work-life balance” is not as straightforward or achievable for everyone, especially women.

Taking to his official handle on X, Mr. Gogoi posted, “I also disagree with the view of Narayan Murthy on work-life balance. After all what is life but looking after your children, cooking for them, teaching them, taking care of your elderly parents, being there for your friends in their times of need, making sure that your house in order. The above is just as much a man’s job as it is a women’s.”

Mr. Gogoi describes life not only in terms of professional work but also as a combination of various personal responsibilities — raising children, caring for elderly parents, managing the household, and supporting friends. This paints a picture of life as a balancing act between multiple roles, all of which are demanding and require time and energy. Mr. Gogoi points to an egalitarian view where both men and women share the burden of maintaining the household and raising children.

His post further read, “Traditionally working women don’t even have the choice to cut away life from work. It is a luxury that traditionally men have and one that they have to forego in the modern world.” Mr. Gogoi suggests that in the modern world, men no longer have the same luxury of “cutting away life from work,” implying that both men and women are now required to manage work and life responsibilities more equally and that the concept of work-life balance is a challenge for everyone, not just women.

Mr. Gogoi calls for a more equitable sharing of all roles within the family and workplace. His response comes after a user on X shared an open letter to Narayana Murthy, respectfully disagreeing with his opinion on work-life balance. “I respectfully disagree with you sir on work-life balance. Employees are not slaves. Working longer hours doesn’t mean better productivity. Several countries have switched to a 4-day work week and are doing better. Women don’t have the luxury of working 70/80 hours a week either,” shared the user on X with an attachment of the letter.

Mr. Murthy at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit championed a 70-hour workweek as essential for India’s economic rise.”I don’t believe in work-life balance,” said Narayana Murthy, sparking debates on the subject. (ANI)

New Delhi:

Noting that all members have the right to express themselves in the House, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday pulled up Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi for apparently preventing fellow party MPs from asking questions.

During Question Hour, Congress and other opposition members were protesting against BJP MP Anurag Thakur’s remarks in the Lok Sabha apparently on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s caste.

While at least two Congress members skipped asking supplementaries, Mr Gogoi apparently stopped others from raising questions.

Mr Birla asked Mr Gogoi not to stop his MPs from asking questions, saying every member has to right to express himself or herself.

“No. This is not good,” Mr Birla said.

Later, amid disruptions, the House proceedings were adjourned briefly. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Congress’ deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi on Saturday wrote to Speaker Om Birla, expressing deep concern over “deteriorating standards of parliamentary conduct” in the House as he cited instances of ministers allegedly making objectionable remarks against opposition leaders.

Gaurav Gogoi alleged that Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Ravneet Singh Bittu used threatening and unparliamentary language against former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi, respectively.

In his letter to Birla, the Congress MP from Assam’s Jorhat sought the Lok Sabha speaker’s immediate intervention in the matter and hoped that he would take prompt action against those making “deplorable statements” against members of Parliament.

“I am writing to you to express my deep concern about the deteriorating standards of parliamentary conduct in the Lok Sabha as evidenced by several instances from the ongoing Monsoon Session. Often, it is the ministers of the government themselves who make unparliamentary, objectionable and threatening remarks against members of opposition parties,” Gaurav Gogoi said in the letter.

He claimed that on July 26 Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh used “threatening language” against former Haryana chief minister Bhupender Singh Hooda who is not a member of Parliament.

On July 25, Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu used “unparliamentary language” while referring to Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi, Gaurav Gogoi alleged.

The Congress’ deputy leader in the Lok Sabha also cited the example of BJP MP Nishikant Dubey using “communal language” during his interventions in the House.

“It is disappointing to note that the minister of parliamentary affairs was been able to restrain his colleagues when these incidents took place despite being present in the House,” he said in the letter to Birla.

Asserting that ensuring the smooth functioning of the House is a collective responsibility, Gaurav Gogoi said it is also important that the government takes a proactive and collaborative approach.

“It is unfortunate that this government has consistently overlooked procedures, conventions and decorum of Parliament, leaving no room for the opposition’s voice,” he said.

Each member of the House holds equal responsibility for representing the voice of their constituents, Gaurav Gogoi said and stressed that difference of opinion should not result in disrespect.

“As a custodian of the House, we expect you to uphold the code of conduct and ensure that no member, whether treasury or opposition, is allowed to breach the norms of Parliament,” he said in the letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker.

“I urge your immediate intervention in the matter and hope that you will take prompt action against those making these deplorable statements against Members of Parliament,” Gaurav Gogoi added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Agartala:

Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said that his party does not want ethnic violence similar to Manipur to erupt in Tripura and it wants equal justice for everyone and each community.

Mr Gogoi along with Lok Sabha Member and former Union Minister Tariq Anwar accompanied by other senior Congress leaders met Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu and discussed the ongoing violent incidents relating to Panchayat elections in the state and recent ethnic violence in Ganda Twisa in the state’s Dhalai district.

He said that the Congress wanted justice for the youth who was killed and for those people, whose houses, shops, and properties were either set ablaze or damaged in the recent ethnic violence in Ganda Twisa.

Large-scale arson, attacks, and looting took place in Ganda Twisa on July 12 after the death of a tribal college student Parameshwar Reang, who succumbed to his injuries after being assaulted on July 7.

According to officials, over 40 houses, 30 shops, and many vehicles were either burnt or severely damaged by the attackers in Ganda Twisa situated 130 km southeast of Agartala.

Over 300 villagers took shelter in special camps after the violence. The Tripura government announced Rs 1.60 crore compensation for the 166 affected families.

Mr Gogoi, who was elected to the Lok Sabha from Assam’s Jorhat Parliamentary constituency, claimed that the law and order situation has collapsed in Tripura, democracy and the Constitution are now under threat and people are not getting due justice from the authority.

“Our party leaders in Tripura from time to time inform the police authority about the violence in Ganda Twisa and violent incidents relating to the upcoming Panchayat elections, but the government is not taking any steps and actions against the perpetrators,” he said.

Demanding the Governor’s intervention, the Congress leader said, “Our party candidates are not being allowed to submit nominations in a large number of seats, therefore there is no guarantee that the voters can reach polling booths on the day of polling on August 8…”

He said that the “entire world is watching how many incidents of violence are taking place in Tripura ahead of the panchayat elections”.

Tariq Anwar, who is a member of the Congress Working Committee, said that the panchayat poll on August 8 “should be held in a free, fair and transparent manner allowing all parties to participate in the entire electoral process”.

Earlier in the day, the Tripura High Court directed the State Election Commission (SEC) to conduct free and fair three-tier Gram Panchayats elections on August 8.

A division bench of the High Court comprising Justice Arindam Lodh and Justice Sabyasachi Datta Purkayastha asked the SEC to hold the panchayat elections freely, fairly and transparently.

The High Court passed the order after the opposition Congress and the CPI-M filed separate petitions before the court seeking its directions to the SEC to conduct the Gram Panchayats elections freely and fairly after a large number of violent incidents took place across the state while the candidates of the opposition parties tried to submit their nomination papers.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

The Congress party has named party MP Gaurav Gogoi as the deputy leader and K Suresh as the Chief Whip in the Lok Sabha.

Congress MPs Manickam Tagore and Md Jawaid will serve as whips of the party.

In this regard, a formal letter has been sent to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.

Party MP KC Venugopal took to ‘X’ and provided information about the fresh appointments.

“Hon’ble CPP Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji has written to the Hon’ble Lok Sabha Speaker informing him about the appointment of the Deputy Leader, Chief Whip, and two Whips for the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha. Deputy Leader: Shri @GauravGogoiAsm, Chief Whip: Shri @kodikunnilMP, Whips: 1. Shri @manickamtagore and 2. @DrMdJawaid1. Congratulations to the new appointees,” he wrote in a post on ‘X.

The Congress MP also expressed confidence that the party, along with its allies in the INDIA bloc, would champion the people’s causes in the Lok Sabha.

“Guided by LOP Shri @RahulGandhi ji, the Congress and INDIA parties will energetically champion the people’s causes in the Lok Sabha,” he added.

Gaurav Gogoi represents Assam’s Jorhat constituency in the 18th Lok Sabha. He was pitted against the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Topon Kumar Gogoi.

K Suresh is currently the longest-serving Lok Sabha MP, as he has remained MP for 29 years.

Suresh was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1989, and thereafter, he won consecutively in the 1991, 1996, and 1999 general elections to the Lok Sabha from the Adoor constituency for four straight terms.

Suresh, who won his eighth Lok Sabha election from Mavelikkara (Kerala) in the 2024 general elections, has represented the seat four times in the past.

He is the working president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and was the chief whip of the Congress Parliamentary Party in the 17th Lok Sabha.

The Mavelikkara MP was also nominated for the post of Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha. Later, the INDIA bloc decided to field him for the post of Speaker after the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) refused to accept the opposition INDIA bloc’s demand that the Deputy Speaker’s position be left for the Opposition in exchange for its support for the NDA nominee.

However, the NDA, which commands 293 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha, was able to demonstrate its clear majority to ensure that Om Birla returns to the chair he held in the 17th Lok Sabha.

Earlier, the INDIA bloc appointed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition (LoP), ending the 10-year spell of no LoP in the Lower House since 2014.

Lok Sabha did not have a Leader of Opposition in the last 10 years because no political party, other than the ruling party, was able to secure the minimum number of Lok Sabha seats required to nominate a Leader of the Opposition.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, the Congress emerged as the second-largest party with 52 seats. This was three short of the requisite numbers. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the Congress, again the second largest party, won 44 Lok Sabha seats — way below the mark.

After the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls, the Congress emerged as the second-largest party in the election and improved its tally to 100, from 52 in the 2019 Lok Sabha poll. The total tally of the INDIA bloc stood at 234.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)