Had failed to check corruption, admits Gogoi

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, May 25: Having suffered a humiliating defeat in the hands of the BJP-led alliance in the recently assembly polls, former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi admitted today that his government had failed to check corruption.

“I must admit I had failed to check corruption. The new government has promised it will check it. We will be happy if they can do it,” Gogoi told a press conference here.

Gogoi, however, insisted that his government had wanted to complete the NRC exercise during its tenure. “We had also made plans to issue photo identity cards to the citizens. But we could not do it. The new government should complete the remaining exercise,” he said.

Stating that almost 95 percent of the intertiol border fencing works have been completed, Gogoi suggested use of modern technology to guard the porous riverine stretches.

The former CM said that people were influenced by the allegation against the Congress that the party was sheltering illegal migrants. “We will be happy if the new government can detect and deport the illegal migrants,” he said.

Gogoi said the Congress’ defeat this time was not as big as it was in 1985. “In 1985 people had hated us. This time it is not so. I appeal to the party workers to not get disheartened. We have to find the reasons for the defeat and take corrective steps,” he said. Describing his successor as “lucky”, Gogoi said, “I am sure Sonowal can deliver. He has the blessings of the Prime Minister. He is lucky that the PM attended his swearing-in and assured central support to develop the State,” Gogoi said.