The scenario in the State today has been turned around by him. It is truly a testament of how an insurgency plagued and financially bankrupt State can rise to become one of India’s most peaceful and fastest developing States under the guidance of able leadership such as Mr. Tarun Gogoi’s.

This scribe met Mr. Tarun Gogoi at his residence on a Saturday afternoon. In spite of it being a holiday, Mr. Tarun Gogoi was busy as usual. He was full of energy and a book entitled ’48 Laws of Power’ by Robert Greene was set upon his table. This was a clear indication that in spite of being 76 years old and with so much experience in the halls of power in Assam, Mr. Tarun Gogoi is always ready to learn something new every day.

When this scribe asked Mr. Gogoi to share his thoughts about his completing 12 years in office, Mr. Gogoi said, “The North East is coming up and boys and girls are developing in all spheres of life. There is no more depression among the youth. The youth of the region are excelling in all fields such as hospitality and information technology.”

It is often seen that the people of the Barak Valley are raising a hue and cry over the underdevelopment of their region and an alleged discrimination thereof. When asked about these concerns of the people of Barak Valley, Mr. Gogoi replied by saying, “There is no discrimination of Barak Valley. They are getting the same funds that the other parts of India are getting. In some sections, the area is allotted more funds than other parts of India.” Mr. Gogoi had also apprised this scribe of an initiative of the Central Government to bring in a broad gauge line to Barak Valley besides the four lane national highway project to improve the connectivity with the region. He however agreed that uniform development of the entire State has not taken place. In this regard, he said, “Some of the areas of Assam are very developed while some others are less developed and we have to develop all areas so that Assam as a whole becomes a very developed State.” He was however happy to state that Assam, in spite of facing the problem of insurgency has developed substantially and has also increased its per capita income.

Insurgency, particularly ULFA related insurgency; in spite of being marginal today does create some ripple effects here and there. In connection with this, Mr. Gogoi said that the ripple effect will always be there. However, he reiterated that the State is developing in spite of insurgency and that it is this development in the State that has helped in curtailing insurgency in Assam, claims Mr. Gogoi. However, when asked as to when insurgency will be completely removed from Assam, Mr. Gogoi honestly said, “I cannot say when,” even as he expressed his confidence that this insurgency will not affect the development that Assam is witnessing today. It may be noted here that Assam has adopted a two – pronged strategy to deal with hard – core insurgent outfits. While it is dealing with the outfits by using a strong hand, it is, at the same time keeping the door open to these outfits to come to the negotiation table and this policy has paid rich dividends to the State.

Assam is a major producer of tea and there has been a demand for a long time for the Tea Board of India to be shifted to Guwahati from Kolkata for better coordination and development. During this interview, this scribe took the opportunity to ask Mr. Gogoi if he had any plans to pursue measures to meet this demand to which Mr. Gogoi said that this is a very old demand from the people of the State. He however felt that the setting up of the Tea Board at Kolkata is perhaps based on logic keeping in mind the export opportunities and large number of tea gardens in the southern part of the country.

Mr. Tarun Gogoi, the Chief Minister of Assam has successfully completed 12 years in office. Prior to his assumption of the Chief Minister of Assam’s seat, Assam was in the grip of insurgency and development in the State was at its lowest ebb.

Assam is blessed with the bounties of the River Brahmaputra, which besides being one of the lifelines of the State, is also a tourist attraction. The tourist inflow in Assam has increased to 45,62,000 in 2013 which is a 37% increase from the year 2000 – 2001. This scribe asked Mr. Gogoi if he had any plans to take further advantage of the opportunities offered by the River Brahmaputra for the growth of tourism. Mr. Gogoi’s reply to this is that he is the only Chief Minister of Assam who has taken the initiative to take up the issue of the silting of the River Brahmaputra. When we talk about the River Brahmaputra in Assam, the question of China diverting the source of the River Brahmaputra is also very significant. This issue has also found ample space in the media as the River Brahmaputra, as stated earlier is one of the lifelines of the State. While talking about this sensitive issue, Mr. Gogoi admitted that there are reports of China constructing a dam near the source of the River Brahmaputra as per the Government of India reports but was quick to inform that water runoff from the source will not be affected so there is no need to worry.

It may be appropriate to mention here that the boundary disputes between the States of the North East Region began after these States, most of them former districts of Assam, were carved out of the composite mother State of Assam. Since there was no discord or protest regarding the boundary issue at that time, it was indirectly implied that the district boundaries would serve as the State boundaries. Mr. B.K. Nehru, who was the Governor of as many as four States at one point of time, had pleaded with the disputant States to gracefully accept the existing boundaries. However, these disputes live on till this day. This scribe had asked Mr. Gogoi whether the issue is being taken up in right earnest and he replied by saying, “I will be happy if the problem can be solved without misunderstandings.” He was also quick to remind this scribe that inter – State boundary disputes are also seen in other parts of the country such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Mr. Tarun Gogoi enjoys a round of golf when his busy schedule permits him to do so and he acknowledges his love for the youth of the State. He has said, “I am very happy that the people of the State have supported me, especially the young boys and girls. Young boys and girls have seen the development in the State and they love and respect me.”

Asked about his source of energy, he admitted that it is work – pressure that keeps him moving and energetic. “Pressure keeps me fit. I welcome pressure. I love to accept challenges.” He also stated that he is impressed by the style and work of Mr. Rahul Gandhi whom he termed as “young and sincere.”

Dr. K. K. Jhunjhunwala