Political hazard in Assam

Corrupt practices by politicians are not a new phenomenon. It can be conceded that it has begun from the colonial era. But it took a wide shape in post colonial period. From the very date of freedom various development plans and programmes including Five Year plans have been implemented fruitlessly. Because more than seventy percent people even now are in abject poverty. Today it is well-realized that the fund granted against any development scheme is largely misappropriated. In this context we may cite what our former prime minister (late)Rajiv Gandhi predicts two decade ago that only 15 percent of a rupee goes for appropriation. And now is son Rahul remarks that not 15 percent only 5 percent is properly appropriated. It is needless to say that other 85 or 95 percent money is looted by our representatives. On other words the corrupt practices has been horrifyingly increasing day by day. It covers entire country.

Similarly it is also prevalent in Assam. From the very formation of Asom Gana Parishd the gloomy picture of corrupt practices by politicians runs heinously. In the period 1985-89 doors of a large number of PSU closed for good. Some of them are Ashok paper Mill(Goalpara),Nagaon jute mill and Assam etc.What the A.G.P.govt.during this time was that they have deputed some politicians as the chives of these P.S.U.After brokening out of A.G.P govt. the Hiteswar Saikia led congress also followed the path of what the predecessor had done. During the period of congress govt. (1991-95) a wide range of corruption suffocated the common people. And even today, Tarun Gogoi led govt. also vested in utter corruption. Chief Minister Tarun gogoi may not be a corrupt politician but against his colleague a large number of allegations raises almost every day. As for instance former Education Minister, Ripun Bora was arrested by C.B.I. for trying to bribe the inquiry officer with 10 lakh. How does he collect such a huge amount of money is a matter of great concern. Besides, allegations also raise the state Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain. Against these two, allegations have been brought out by various social organizations, especially the All Assam student Union (AASU), that both are the incarnate of corruption. The most notable allegation against Himanta Biswa Sarma is that he invests black money in visual media. This allegation is proved authentically by N.E.Television (a premier satellite television channel from northeast India). On the other hand Rockybul Hussain, focuses negligence towards the preservation of one-horned world-famous rhino. During his two year tenure more than 25 rhinos lost in hand of poachers. Still he is not taking up appropriate measure to minimizing rhino-poaching. Certainly these may be some instances of political-hazards. According to Joad political - democracy is meaningless without economic liberty. But how can ours be called a democracy.

Raktim Baruah