Who Is Elizabeth Colburn? Assam Cong Leader Gaurav Gogoi's Wife Accused Of 'Pakistan Link' | Career, Family Background

As the Assam elections approach, the political discourse has shifted from state policies to personal accusations involving families. The state's top two leaders, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of the BJP and Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, have entered a fierce confrontation. Consequently, their spouses have become central figures in the campaign rhetoric. 

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Gaurav Gogoi's wife, Elizabeth Colburn, of having serious links to Pakistan and the ISI. The BJP leader claims that an SIT probe suggests a deeper connection between Colburn and a Pakistan Planning Commission Advisor Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.

Who Is Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi ?

Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi is a UK-born academic who holds a Master's degree in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics. She married Congress Gaurav Gogoi in 2023. Since then, she has largely stayed out of the political limelight to focus on her career.

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Professional Record And Controversy

Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi is an expert in climate policy and worked with the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) from 2011 to 2015. During this tenure, she managed programs in India and Nepal.

However, the BJP has focused on her professional association with Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, who was the Director for Asia at CDKN and an advisor to the Pakistan Planning Commission. CM Sarma has alleged that CDKN served as a front for Pakistani intelligence.

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Key Alligations Against Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi

Security Concerns: Allegations that sensitive information from the Intelligence Bureau was leaked to Pakistan.

Financial Irregularities: Claims that FCRA regulations were flouted when Colburn allegedly received a salary from Sheikh while working in India.

Questionable Travel: Assertions that Gogoi made a "confidential" trip to Pakistan in 2013 for undisclosed training.

Diplomatic Scrutiny: Sarma highlighted a 2015 photo of Gogoi meeting with then-Pakistani High Commissioner Abdul Basit, questioning the necessity of the meeting.