Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is said to be passing through a challenging phase. The CLP and his government are plagued by dissatisfaction among the MLAs. But Gogoi is unfazed. He said that the problems were only normal. Had there been a crisis, work would come to a standstill. People voted for improvement on a continuous basis which is a tall order. Gogoi said that while the government framed policies, bureaucrats had to implement them. If there are grievances, MLAs could approach him. He will do everything possible to solve their problems within set guidelines and keeping an eye on accountability. A reshuffle of the cabinet at the moment was ruled out. As for the Lok Sabha polls in 2014, Gogoi made it clear that his government was focused on the implementation of its flagship programmes. The Congress had done well in the recent Panchayat elections in Assam which showed that its prospects in the parliamentary elections were bright. He also spoke of the tobacco ban. Such products are banned under the Central Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Additional legislation will be brought in to plug loopholes and despite the fact that it would lead to loss of revenue. Gogoi believes that revenue should not take precedence of public health.
It is not surprising that Gogoi who has been CM for three terms should exude such confidence. There is no second line of command in the party and yet it is on a safe wicket. Prafulla Mahanta’s Asom Gana Parishad is riddled with disquieting features. What may however, go against the Congress in Assam is the spate of violence in recent months, both communal and caused by militancy. ULFA talks have not started and the NDFC has an active extremist faction. Assam has differences with Arunachal Pradesh over hydel projects and with Nagaland over the territorial issue. These are likely to dent Congress popularity in Assam.
