Union Minister of State and BJP leader from Assam, Pabitra Margherita, on Tuesday responded to the nomination of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi as President of the India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group. Speaking in Guwahati, Margherita said the appointment does not amount to any exoneration from allegations levelled against the Jorhat MP.
Gogoi, who also serves as President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), was nominated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to head the parliamentary friendship group.
Union Minister Pabitra Margherita said Gaurav Gogoi’s nomination as President of the India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group is a routine parliamentary process and does not amount to exoneration from allegations made against him. The remarks were made in Guwahati amid ongoing political exchanges between the BJP and Congress in Assam.
“Routine Parliamentary Process,” Says Margherita
Margherita stated that Gogoi has not been given a chairmanship but has been nominated to head a parliamentary friendship group, which he described as a routine matter for sitting Members of Parliament.
“He has not been given chairmanship; he has only made the president of the India-Philippines group. This is a routine process. He is still a Member of Parliament and, as such, will be part of parliamentary affairs,” Margherita said.
He further added that any determination of guilt would depend on judicial proceedings. “When an appropriate judicial ruling finds him guilty, all his privileges will go away,” he stated.
Political Context in Assam
Gogoi’s nomination comes amid allegations made earlier by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Chief Minister had accused the Jorhat MP of acting against India’s interests, citing alleged links related to Pakistan.
Sarma had also referred to professional associations involving Gogoi’s wife and mentioned findings from an Assam Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. The matter has intensified political exchanges in the state.
Parliamentary Friendship Groups Explained
Parliamentary Friendship Groups are constituted within the Lok Sabha to promote bilateral engagement and dialogue between India and other countries. These groups serve as platforms for interaction between lawmakers and their counterparts abroad.
The India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group is part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and institutional ties.
What Happens Next?
No judicial findings have been announced in connection with the allegations. Political statements from both BJP and Congress leaders are expected to continue as the matter remains part of the ongoing political discourse in Assam.
The parliamentary nomination stands as per the Speaker’s decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group?
It is a parliamentary platform designed to promote dialogue and cooperation between Indian and Philippine lawmakers.
Q2. What did Pabitra Margherita say about Gaurav Gogoi’s nomination?
He said the nomination is a routine parliamentary process and does not amount to exoneration from any allegations.
Q3. Are there any judicial findings against Gaurav Gogoi?
As of now, no judicial ruling has been announced regarding the allegations mentioned in political statements.