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It’s all Gogoi vs. Gogoi

By Daya Nath Singh |


‘Proud must have a fall’, is the old proverb universally accepted. Being in power one can boast much and challenge anybody to prove his strength. Assam chief minister, Tarun Gogoi is no exception to it. He has recently challenged Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leader, Akhil Gogoi, to prove his strength by contesting elections, which is now-a- days is generally won by money and muscle power. The Chief Minister is well aware that Akhil Gogoi has neither money nor muscle power to win the race. Whether he has support of grass root people or not, was witnessed recently, when he called the people for rallies protesting against administrative corruption and construction of big dams etc. At his every call people from every nook and corner joined the rallies without any support or allurement. This is significant to prove his popularity. On the other hand it is found that the ruling party misuses public machineries from time to time to show its strength. The people are allured to join rallies by giving tips and public transport.


A recent incident put the ruling party in an embarrassing position, when the representatives of the Congress-led village panchayats expressed their annoyance and resentment against the government. They were called to participate in the discussions on various schemes implemented by the government for the welfare of the people at the village level. It was intended to intensify the support of village panchayats for ensuing Assembly election early next year. The panchayat representatives felt insult, when they found the Panchayat Minister, Chandan Brahma absent in the meeting. Even discussions on the schemes did not take place for which the representatives were called for. However, in his speech the chief minister said that the government envisages to bring a legislation for reservation of thirty percent government jobs for rural people.


All other present ministers also delivered their speeches about the achievements of their departments. The Chief Minister addressed the gathering at the end, but no discussion took place for which the panchayat representatives were called for. When the Education Minister, Gautam Borah stood up to address the conclusion of the meeting the participants felt it as their insult and wanted to know why the panchayat minister did not participate in the meeting? They shouted slogans and the panchayat coordination committee office bearer, Noor Jamal Ahmed wanted to know why there was no discussion on the subject for which they were called for. But there was no response from the other side and all the ministers left the venue silently. The time will tell how the Congress party workers perform their job in future.




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