Quote of the Week
Offered without comment. Hon Sh Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam:
I am equally concerned (about corruption) and I have proved it. No state government has sent as many cases of corruption – 10 in all – to the CBI as Assam
Context: Â Chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday criticized Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev for trying to project themselves as the only two people in the country who are fighting against graft. “They are not the only two persons concerned about corruption. I am equally concerned and I have proved it. No state government has sent as many cases of corruption – 10 in all – to the CBI as Assam,” Gogoi said.
By the way, just a few months back Sh Gogoi had publicly admitted to corruption under his rule but used the “pot calling the kettle back” defense (emphasis added):
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday admitted that graft has taken place under his rule, but launched a counter attack claiming the two terms of main opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) were also ridden by rampant corruption.’I would not say there was no corruption during our government. Yes, corruption did take place, but then the AGP’s two terms were not free from corruption either,’the chief minister told journalists.
Past quotes are here. Â Image courtesy: Assam Legislative Assembly
Tarun Gogoi has a relatively clean reputation I gather, but let him remember that Congress in Assam has been a badly corrupt organisation.
I left Assam cadre in Jan 2000 (my last posting in Assam was till Feb. 1994) but it was almost invariably the most corrupt officials (including in the IAS, and not just promotees, many of whom were honest) that were given major assignments, with others being dumped into minor roles. Has the practice of rewarding the corrupt officials with important roles changed? Has the practice of taking bribes for transfers and postings changed? Has the practice of spending lakhs of rupees of black money – well in excess of electoral funding limits – in elections changed?
My visit last year to Assam showed me a place in virtually the same plight of under-development as it was before, but with more signs of crowding and mismanagement. The only bright sign is the private sector which is doing at least something even in Assam, e.g. private management institutes.
I suggest these people shut their mouths for they are not credible. Or if they are serious, then let them follow the reform path outlined in BFN (http://bfn.sabhlokcity.com/).
I call upon anyone from Assam who is serious about governance reforms in Assam to join FTI. For some reason we still don’t have even a single member from the entire north east on FTI. That doesn’t bode well for the North East.
It is not just Baba Ramdev or Anna Hazare who are against this rampant corruption in India which really messed up the whole system and the country. It is literally millions who were sick and tired of it,but did not know what to do about it and how to do it. They needed some one who would be willing to bell the cat, and these are some of the guys who showed the courage to lead these millions who are willing to follow them at any cost. In democracy it must succeed sooner or later. The crooks will have to give in, as every one knows those who are opposing these people are giving a proof that they are crooks and own piles of black money. They will go to any length to protect their black money and save their necks.