Gaurav Gogoi Appointed Head of India-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group Amid Political Dispute

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has been appointed president of the India-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, a move seen as a setback for Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Sarma has accused Gogoi and his wife of links to Pakistan, prompting a Special Investigation Team probe, but Gogoi denies these allegations, citing lack of evidence. The appointment has drawn criticism from Sarma and support from the Congress, which calls the allegations politically motivated and highlights Gogoi's national recognition.