Cong MP from Haryana attacks UPA, hints at voting against govt

New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) In more bad news for the UPA, Congress MP from Haryana Arvind Sharma today attacked his party and the Manmohan Singh government for "targeting" BSP chief Mayawati and indicated that he may vote against the ruling coalition in the July 22 trust vote.Criticising the Congress for cosying up with Samajwadi Party, the 45-year-old dentist-turned-MP from Karnal said he was "pained" at seeing the "falling standards" of his party."The government is succumbing to the pressure of Mulayam Singh and Amar Singh which is not acceptable," Sharma told reporters here.He said the Government was using the CBI to target "popular Dalit leader" and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati at the behest of the SP leaders to remain in power."We are witnessing worst days of political bargaining in the country's democratic history," Sharma, who is also member of the Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, said.In an indication of his closeness with Mayawati, Sharma said by targeting the UP Chief Minister, the Government has insulted the Dalits, minorities and people of Uttar Pradesh.Asked whether his outburst against the party and the government was an indication that he may vote against the government on July 22, the Congress MP evaded a direct reply and said he was not leaving the party.Sharma said the people of his constituency are "unhappy" with the decisions taken by his party leadership which is forcing him to "rethink" about his future course of action.There were reports that BJP was trying to rope in some MPs from Congress in Karnataka on promise of tickets in the next Lok Sabha elections. PTI

Ripun’s remand extended by 14 days

From Our Spl Correspondent NEW DELHI, July 5 – Ripun Bora and his businessman friend Ramesh Maheswari’s cell phones have been sent to the CSFL laboratory for retrieval of evidence, while two more persons may be questioned by the CBI in connection with withdrawal of the bribe money from a bank in Guwahati. This was revealed by the Bureau’s Counsel before the CBI Special Court, here this afternoon, in response to a bail petition moved by Maheswari.Bora and Maheswari’s judicial custody have been extended for another 14 days till July 19, while Maheswari’s bail petition is coming up for hearing on July 9. Meanwhile, journalist Mukul Pathak was released here this evening after he deposited the bail amount to the court. He will leave for Guwahati tomorrow to appear in the ACS mains eximination on Monday.Meanwhile, pleading for Bora and Maheswari’s judicial remand, CBI’s counsel told the Court of Additional District and Session Judge, RK Yadav that his release might hamper the investigation. The CBI was opposing release of the businessman on bail. It may be mentioned that Maheswari’s driver, Sanjay in his statement had told the CBI that both Bora and Maheswari were on their way to airport on the fateful day of June 3, and talking over their cell phones in English and Assamese, which he could not understand. The cell phones belonging to both have been sent to the CSFL laboratory for retrieval of the data, which the CBI plans to use as evidence. However, the CBI is still waiting for the Report.The CBI also revealed that it was Maheswari, who had booked the room at Jukaso Inn for the meeting and also a room for Mukul Pathak at Hotel Opera in Karol Bagh area on May 16. It was CBI’s contention that Maheswari, if released, might influence his driver.Further, an amount of Rs 5 lakh, which was used as part of the bribe money was withdrawn from IDBI bank at Panbazar by three account holders. The CBI said it now plans to question the two account holders. In this case also Maheswari might have a role.Earlier, Maheswari’s counsel, Harish Gupta pleading for his release said that Maheswari’s role was minimal and has admitted before the CBI in a statement about role on that day. He said the CBI has all the evidence it needed and hence the question of tampering with evidence does not arise. He further mentioned that the case relates to Assam and his client is not a resident of that State.Meanwhile, Pathak’s relative arrived in the capital with the bond papers, however as the papers were in Assamese, the Court declined to accept it. They pledged to submit fresh set of surety bonds with Court. Pathak was released on interim bail till August 2 by the Special Court on a plea that he needed to appear for APSC mains examination.At the Court today, Bora looked little subdued and was quiet most of the time. His and Maheswari’s family were allowed to talk for some time at the Court by the Judge. Bora is yet to move his bail application. source assam tribune

State ministers asked to submit list of assets

State ministers asked to submit list of assets

By Our Correspondent GUWAHATI, June 27 – Senior Congress leader and party in-charge, Assam, Veerappa Moily has asked the Congress Ministers in Assam to submit their respective statement of assets and liabilities to the Chief Minister. This comes after the arrest of former State Education Minister Ripun Bora by the CBI, while he was allegedly trying to offer bribe to a CBI official in New Delhi. Though Moily did not make any comment on Bora, he, however said that ‘the law will take its own course’ He further stated that a suggestion has been made during a meeting with the Congress leaders, on making the filing of the statement of assets and liabilities compulsory by passing the same in the State Assembly as it is done in some of the other States.Moily was speaking to the media persons here at the Circuit House today. On the ‘tainted’ Ministers of the State, he said, “Charges against the Ministers would be there and the party leadership could react only if some concrete evidences are produced.”Moily while underscoring the need for a better co-ordination between the party and the ruling Government, especially the Ministers, stated, “I want a better relationship between the party workers and the Ministers and so I have urged the Ministers to make regular visits to the party offices.”The senior Congress leader also expressed satisfaction over the unilateral ceasefire declared by the leaders of the ULFA’s 28th battalion and appealed the other members to come forward for talks as well. Moily also divulged that during the manifesto committee meeting with the party members, it was revealed that as far as equality between the urban and the rural population in Assam is concerned, Assam is presently ranked number one.On the concerns voiced by Assam over the proposed mega hydel projects in Arunachal Pradesh, he said that the issue would be discussed with the Union Irrigation Minister soon. He further stated that a host of other core issues were discussed during his meeting with the party members and leaders including Assam Accord implementation, setting up of development councils for ethnic communities, welfare of the minorities, tea tribes and other backward communities.“Issues like infrastructure development, power scenario, health, education, employment generation and filling up of backlog of vacancies for ST and SC were discussed,” informed Moily.The Congress executive committee meeting discussed at length the execution of the loan waiving scheme announced by the Central Government recently. Source: assam tribune

Exposing corrupt journalists of our time

Nava Thakuria

Corruption in journalism often makes news in Indian media. The creator of news also emerges as a matter of reporting in many parts of the country. The alienated Northeast too never ignored the trend. In fact, soon after the arrest of an Assamese scribe for his involvement in a bribery case with a seasoned politician, the issue comes to the center stage of Assam media.While it was appalling news for the people of Assam, as one of its active state ministers was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials few weeks back in New Delhi with the charges of offering bribe to an officer (to get rid of a murder case), more shocking news waited for the media persons. The investigation agency also picked up the scribe accusing himto get involved in the episode. The arrest of Mukul Pathak, who was associated with an Assamese daily along with the then Education minister Ripun Bora (third prey was a Delhi-based businessman, Ramesh Maheswari), made huge media headlines for many days in Assam. The immediate reaction of the people in general and media persons in particular was that Mukul got nothing but his dues. Meanwhile wild allegations were poured against the young scribe that he managed hundred thousand bucks with his unethical understanding and activities with the minister. Few journalists came out with more serious versions that Mukul destroyed the image of Assam media to the greatest extent. Those journalists even tried to create an atmosphere that after Mukul's arrest, everything became so crystal clear and the Assam media emerged as a place for holy cows only.So there were hot debates and discussions about the punishments that could be pronounced to Mukul, who was then serving the term for judicial custody at Tihar jail. If the CBI can arrest him for his involvement in episode of bribing one of its officers with Rs 10,00,000 in cash by the minister, why not the journalists' body could condemn and expel him from the community-many journalists raised voices. There was however little voice in support of Mukul to explain his point of views. It was a general understanding that if Mukul was arrested by the CBI (which can never do wrong!), he must have been a criminal. And hence there were no point discussing his version of self defense and even not to wait for the final verdict of the court regarding the episode.But a journalists' meeting at Guwahati Press Club on June 22 changed the face of anger against Mukul. Organized by the Journalists' Action Committee, Assam and the representative of National Federation of Newspaper Employees, the meeting insisted on providing space for Mukul to clarify his stand at the earliest. Presided over by a journalist Keshab Kalita, the meeting also decided to send a delegation of journalists to New Delhi to meet Mukul and pick up his explanation on the incident. The delegation was supposed to meet the concerned CBI officials as well.Various speakers in the meeting were unanimous in asserting that Mukul could never be 'the only and the last tainted reporter', working in Assam for various media. It was observed that a section of journalists tried to establish it with their comments soon after the incident. Hence they urged the editors to keep a vigil on the working journalists of the respective media houses."If Mukul is proved to be involved in the episode, for which he was arrested by the CBI, the journalists' body would support appropriate actions against the reporter. He will also be expelled from the journalists' body," said in a resolution of the meeting.In another resolution, the meeting demanded the minimum salary and other economic facilities to the working journalists of Assam. Speakers including Prakash Mahanta (a senior journalist and the secretary of Journalists Action Committee, Assam), Sabita Lahkar (editor of an Assamese monthly, Ajori), Mukul Kalita and Naresh Kalita (both are Guwahati based senior journalists) expressed resentment at the disappointing condition of the working journalists of the state, where over 60% of them were compelled to work without a proper appointment letter, salary structure, leave and other relevant facilities, which are recommended by various laws including the Indian Labour Act. The meeting was also addressed by Pankaj Dutta, Neetumoni Saikia, Samir Sandilya, Nayanjyoti Bhuyan (all are reporters associated with vernacular media) etc."This is very unfortunate that media persons in Assam have to work with a salary starting with even Rs. 2000 with absolutely no job security. Many times, the journalists (including the editors) are used by the proprietors of media groups for their business (other than media) interest. So in such a chaotic situation, we can hardly expect a fair journalism in the state," commented a Guwahati based senior citizen, Dimbeswar Talukder. He however added that it was not only the local and less paid scribes, who were engaged with some corrupt means, but a section of established journalists (belonged to news agencies and metro dailies) with adequate financial security too continued indulging with such kind of activities.His comment was supported by a city based scribe, Haren Kalita, arguing that there were many journalists, who pursued unethical means for personal benefits, of course, in a different way. "Why are you making so much noise against the poor reporter (Mukul Pathak)? Do not you know that many so-called senior and responsible journalists were equally involved in corrupt practices? I know that they do it in a more polished manner. So nobody find it worth bothering," he commented.Devashish Bhattacharjee, another city based reporter raised a vital point, "Take an example. We have a number journalist cum documentary film makers (employed with professional media houses) in the city, who works for the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India). There may be nothing wrong to produce documentaries for Doordarshan, but when one does it on some government departments, it might turn sour. Suppose, one proposes for productions related to the state forest department and take all possible advantages (conveyance to lodging in forest guest houses) from the department while on shooting, is not it a wring way? Because the producers had already received (or will receive) the money against all relevant expenditures from Prasar Bharati, then why he should go begging the unethical support from the department? Will he be able to raise voice (to file news) against the department in future in a credible way?"Bhattacharjee wrapped up with a final say, "Was not exactly it a cause, why many journalists in Assam ignored the public resentment against the state forest department during the last few months for its failure to protect the endangered one horn rhinos in various national preserves? One can go for record that those journalists remained silent while the conscious people of the state came to the streets condemning the state forest minister for his negligence in duties, but they were too quick to report when the minister or the forest officials made some statements (though many times those were proved useless). Is not it a matter of corruption in different shape and sizes? Source: assamtimes.org

Court says no to bail plea of Ripun, 2 others

Court says no to bail plea of Ripun, 2 others

The court of R K Jain in Delhi court on Saturday rejected the bail petitions of sacked education minister Ripun Bora and two of his associates and extended their judicial remand by July 5. Before that Bora, his aides Ramesh Maheswari and Mukul Pathak were produced before the court and after hearing the arguments, the court rejected their bail petitions. On the other hand, the Delhi High Court is also remaining closed to hear the petition challenging the lower court order.
The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Bora and Maheswari from Delhi and Pathak from Guwahati on June 3 charging with trying to bribe one of its official who is probing the sensation Denial Topno murder case. After the end of the CBI custody the trio have been remanded to judicial custody and sent to the Tihar Jail. Talking to the waiting reporters, Bora said he would spill the beans the real story once he gets bail.

Floods spark blame-game in Congress

Floods spark blame-game in Congress - Party split on relief steps
A STAFF REPORTER

Guwahati, June 16: The flash floods in Assam’s Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts have triggered a wave of displeasure even within the government.

Some members of the ruling Congress have accused the revenue, water resources and finance departments of not taking timely measures to secure the embankments in the flood-prone districts.

Sources said floods in Lakhimpur district had affected at least 347 villages. Around 200 families in Bihpuria town have started dismantling their homes in anticipation of a major breach in embankment.

The death toll in the flood-hit district has risen to six with two more bodies being recovered from Nowboicha constituency.

Things came to such a pass that elected representatives of the Congress are even asking Opposition members to convey to the flood-affected that their suffering has been caused by a natural calamity and adequate relief will be provided to them.

The development assumes significance because in most places the ruling and Opposition members do not see eye to eye. Sources in the Congress said all-party meetings were being held in the affected areas, particularly in Lakhimpur, Bihpuria and Nowboicha, whose MLA is an associate member of the Congress.

The locals are peeved with the ruling Congress for the apparent lack of flood-control initiatives. “What can we do if the government does not even sanction our project, leave alone release funds for them? The government is only giving assurances and we are facing the wrath of the people,” one of them said.

Party MLAs have even requested chief minister Tarun Gogoi to take swift action and release funds for both long and short-term flood control projects. They are also going to move the estimates committee of the Assembly.

Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader Dilip Saikia said, “The government is not at all serious about tackling floods. If it is really serious, it should order a CBI probe into where the funds released so far by it have disappeared.”

Revenue, water resource, finance department officials said they were helpless, when asked about the delay in sanctioning funds for the projects. Source: telegraph india

Showcase for Sonia

Showcase for Sonia

It was not the Prime Minister who was going to be in town for the day. It was Sonia Gandhi, Congress president and the appointer of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. As an elected Congress MP of the Lok Sabha, Congress president and member of the dynasty, it is she who commands the allegiance of all Congressmen — not the Prime Minister of the country. It is to her that all chief ministers run to have their problems solved and to make exaggerated claims of their achievements. And it is she who tells them when to drop which minister for crimes small and big — not the Prime Minister. Had Manmohan Singh got elected to the Lok Sabha, things may have been somewhat different. But his having to rely solely on our State to remain a member of the Rajya Sabha without really belonging to this State has not exactly endeared him to the people. Be that as it may, Sonia Gandhi had to begin her election tours a trifle early for the Lok Sabha elections next year, and there was every reason to begin with Asom not merely because she was going in alphabetical order, but also because there are so few Congress-run States left in the country. It made sense to begin with a Congress-run State rather than with a State where the Congress was in the opposition. Besides, had the Congress in Asom not hit the headlines recently with Ripun Bora trying to bribe a CBI investigator? And had not Sonia Gandhi advised Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to drop all ministers in his cabinet against whom there are criminal charges? The fact that the Prime Minister rarely sends instructions on disciplinary measures to Congress chief ministers could not have escaped anyone's notice. Be that as it may, Sonia Gandhi's presence was badly needed in Asom now because the Ripun Bora affair has come as a huge black mark for the Congress. This is not to suggest that the Congress has great respect for the eternal values that our ancestors swore by. The truth is that the Congress has created a new value system for itself. Put in a single sentence it is: Whatever you do, for God's sake do not get caught. There are so many others in the Congress who have committed crimes and bribed investigating officers. But they have been careful not to get caught red-handed. Ripun Bora's crime (as far as his party is concerned) is that he got caught while paying a hefty bribe and thereby shamed his party. He has set the alarm bells ringing for some other ministers of Mr Gogoi's cabinet who also have charges of serious crimes against them. He has made matters extremely difficult for a chief minister who promised a transparent government and lost no time in introducing the Right to Information Act. It must be very hard on him that his ministers have let him down. As such Sonia Gandhi's arrival at this juncture was a windfall of sorts, considering that she is thought to be such a vote-reaper in Congress circles. It did not matter one bit to the Congress that hundreds of buses had to be requisitioned to get enough people for the farmers' rally causing great inconvenience to commuters, or that the failure to get enough farmers for the rally resulted in the farmers' rally being converted to a women's rally. Nor did it seem to matter that people were stopped for about an hour by policemen along the route that her convoy was supposed to take. But what took one's breath away was the half-page advertisement in some newspapers about Asom being on the ‘‘fast track of progress and development’’. As an attempt to showcase the Tarun Gogoi government, it was a record of all the inconsequential things that the State government had done but there was no mention of the total collapse of law and order in North Cachar Hills district where the Black Widow left a gory tally of soft targets, or of the huge chunks of Asom's territory ceded to Nagaland, or the rapid increase of flesh trade in the State, or government-induced alcoholism among the youth or of the deplorable state of education and health care in the rural areas. Obviously, no one expected this government to talk about the large-scale illegal infiltration of Bangladeshis into Asom, and it did not. How thoughtful of a transparent government! Source: sentinel assam editorial 15.06.08

Say ‘No’ to the Bandh Culture

Say ‘No’ to the Bandh Culture

JP Rajkhowa

After respite for a month or so, the self- destructive bandh culture is again picking up momentum with the exposure of Ripun Bora’s attempt to bribe a CBI officer investigating the Daniel Topno murder case in which Bora is a suspect. The students’ wings of the tea tribes called Asom bandh on two different dates, demanding, inter alia, the expulsion of the disgraced former Education Minister from the Congress and exemplary punishment to him for his alleged involvement in the Daniel Topo murder case. While it is for the court of law to decide, in due course of time, whether Bora could be held guilty of the murder of Topno or abetment thereto, as per the laid down legal process, Bora has meanwhile been suspended from the party in view of his arrest by the CBI and remand to custody by the court. Further boost has been given to the bandh culture by the recent decision of the Centre to hike the prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas, and the failure of the government to control the galloping inflation which has hit the aam aadmi and the middle class as a whole, most severely. Although the Union Finance Minister declared a number of sops, including withdrawal of customs duty on edible oils, pulses etc, as also reduction of excise duties on construction materials like cement and steel, the benefits have not been passed on to the consumers by unscrupulous elements. Public anger against the government is building up as a result of its failure, both at the Central and State level, to act firmly and decisively against hoarders and black marketers. On the other hand, the report of falling agricultural production, eatables in particular, as had appeared in the Economic Survey Report 2008, created the fear of a possible food crisis, with the developed West diverting huge agricultural areas from production of wheat and corn to bio-fuels. The recent report of 2.5 per cent agricultural growth during the financial year 2007-08 has failed to assure the country of food availability, not to speak of food security. The opposition parties are up in arms against the UPA dispensation for its failure on the price front and are not bothered even when the crude oil price per barrel has gone up to US $139, and could even go up even further according to various forecasts, which in fact compelled the Centre to bring down the subsidy regime. One thing which has made the Centre’s stand self-contradictory seems to be the farmers debt relief scheme at a whopping cost of nearly Rs 70, 000 crore, which has failed to have any impact on the suicide rate of farmers in the targeted States. As the parliamentary elections are scheduled after a couple of months, the opposition has been given a unique opportunity to campaign against the UPA.Interestingly, it is the UPA partners in power and the Left front together with the BJP, though operating from different platforms, which have spearheaded a countrywide campaign against the unchecked inflation and other failures of the Centre. The Left front called a general strike in the Left-ruled States of West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura against price rise and other failures of the Centre by diplomatically avoiding the use of ‘‘bandh’’ which has been banned by the apex court. The hartal paralysed life in these States and brought all economic activities to a total halt. In effect, the hartal had had greater adverse impact on the aam aadmi and the economy as compared to a bandh called by any political party or organization, because it was a government-sponsored affair. The result was disruption in the transportation and supply of essential commodities, and loss of millions of precious man-hours. In Asom too, while the Left parties scrupulously avoided calling an Asom bandh, they declared a rail roko and rasta roko programme, which had had the effect of a bandh at many places and certainly went against the interests of the aam aadmi for whom they had ostensibly launched an agitation of sorts. Such double standards practised by the Left parties, going for a bandh in disguise, indicate the deteriorating standards of the so-called people-friendly parties.In Asom, in spite of a legal ban in force, parties and organizations do not mind calling a ‘protest’ bandh; so we have had a couple of Asom bandhs in the past fortnight, including one by the AGP as well as by some other regional parties, against government failures to control price rise and the recent hike in the price of some petroleum products. The bandh was a total success, as all State and non-State activities came to a grinding halt for long 12 hours, with the working hours at offices and establishments lost for one full day. By the time shops and bazaars started opening, there was shortage of most essential commodities; fish, meat and vegetables had almost disappeared; and whatever was available cost more than 50 per cent of the normal price. Again, the aam aadmi — daily wage earners, small-time vegetable dealers coming from distant villagers, poor fishermen, and other small-time vendors — was the biggest loser. The State government remained a mute spectator, as even the nationalized banks did not open their shutters. In the recent past, there was a similar bandh in the BTC areas which had the backing of the BTC authorities and was a total success. Many lives have also been lost during bandhs at different places in the State, with some recent casualties in the Goalpara district where the Rabha-Hasongs declared bandh against holding of panchayat elections and non-Rabha organizations followed suit, demanding holding of elections. The entire academic environment of the State has been vitiated by the frequent bandh calls given by different organizations, which has also resulted in brain drain from this State, apart from the great loss caused due to loss of class-hours. Would anyone listen and stop calling bandh for highlighting public grievances? Should any organization that calls a bandh or hartal continue to do so with impunity? Should not there be a code of conduct for political parties, students’ organizations and other bodies which should rather devise other means of peaceful protests? Would the government launch a public campaign against the self-destructive and destabilizing bandh culture and come forward to provide security to those who mobilize public opinion against bandh in all its hues? Why cannot the government ensure full presence during bandhs by making suitable arrangement for office-goers to commute so that at least State establishments and banks, railways and air transport services remain functional?While it is heartening that a number of organizations led by senior citizens had, in the recent past, come out openly opposing bandhs called by the outlawed ULFA, by and large people have not come out to defy other bandh calls, which is certainly a matter of great concern as the people’s right to free movement and pursuit of their rightful occupation gets negated by bandhs. During the past three years, so many public appeals were made by senior citizens, the intelligentsia and other right-minded people calling upon the people and organizations to say an assertive ‘‘No’’ to bandhs, but the people and organizations that matter are yet not impressed.In the backdrop of the ever increasing bandh calls, it is encouraging to know that some students’ organizations demanding ST status have announced protest demonstrations other than bandh — such as wearing of leaves and barks like the aborigines and Dispur chalo agenda with the male coming half-naked and female protesters spreading their hair. Earlier, we have had the experience of the Bodoland agitators shaving off their hair and writing their demands on their bare bodies which, as many felt, did have an impact, drawing wide media publicity too. Peaceful jail bharo or Dispur chalo programme could be a much better alternative to bandh, but then the organizers and the authorities would have to ensure that there would be no repetition of any Beltola kind of incident as that of last November. The AASU recently organized a State-wide demonstration in which its participants observed a kind of maun brat by gagging their mouth with a piece of white cloth. It was in good taste, people felt. Mass fasting/ individual fasting by prominent leaders was widely resorted to as a component of the non- violent movement launched by Gandhiji in his exemplary struggle for independence from British colonial rule. A number of interesting modes of protest, as part of Gandhigiri, came to public view in Lage Raho Munnabhai too, a movie of recent times. As reported in the media, one such experiment — presentation of flowers — was launched by a few organizations in some parts of the country, which was quite successful. Well, there are so many decent and pro-people ways in which public protests could take place, so that the voice of the people is heard and acted upon by the authorities in the right earnest. Would our political parties, youth wings of the parties, and students’ organizations make a resolve of their own to say ‘‘No’’ to any proposed bandh and harp on methods of peaceful protests that would not hurt the people and the nation at large? It is time it happened.(The writer was Chief Secretary, Assam) Source: sentinel assam editorial 15.06.08

Federal investigative agency alone will not help

Federal investigative agency alone will not help

— Sudhanshu Ranjan

After the Jaipur blasts, again there is a demand for the creation of a federal investigative agency a la the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the US. The Prime Minister feels that there is a need to create such an agency as the terrorist acts have inter-state or even international linkages, but the states are opposed to it which do not want to part with the power they have. Under the Constitution, the law and order is a state subject. The basic question is that if terrorist activities were simply a law and order problem the need for such an agency would not have arisen at all. It is a more sinister problem aimed at destabilizing the country which is a direct threat to its sovereignty. It is to protect the sovereignty of the country that the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) which was challenged on this very ground that the centre cannot legislate on a state subject.Security of the country is the responsibility of the centre. Entry no. 1 of the Union List empowers it to make law for Defence of India, and Entry no. 9 for preventive detention for reasons connected with Defence, Foreign Affairs, or the security of India. Under Articles 355 of the Constitution, it is incumbent on the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance. Similarly, under Article 356, the centre may dismiss a state government in case of failure of constitutional machinery. So, the centre is fully empowered to legislate for ensuring the safety and integrity of the country. This is one option before the centre, and it can go ahead. Let the Supreme Court pronounce on its constitutionality if it is challenged. However, if it is taken to be a state subject then the Constitution will have to be amended which will also require ratification by half of the state legislatures. This is an issue on which politicos must abstain from politicking and join hands to find out ways for extirpating the virus of terrorism gnawing at the flesh of the nation. India has a federal agency like the CBI but it can investigate only at the request of the state government or by the order of the court. Every state has to notify that the CBI will be allowed to work in the state. Goa did not do it for several years and Karnataka government withdrew the notification when Devraj Urs assumed the rein of the state. So, its hands are tied. When Naxalites raided the Koraput police armoury in Orissa in February 2004, the then police chiefs of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh traded charges against each other for being lax. It is where a federal agency may help. The FBI in the US does not need the permission of state governments to investigate a specified list of crimes. It was created to override the checks foisted by state laws and to enforce interstate laws. Its motto is “Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity”, and its top investigative priorities are to protect the US from terrorist attacks, against foreign intelligence operations and espionage, cyber-based attacks and high-technology crimes, combat public corruption at all levels and protect civil rights, among others. The FBI has its genesis in a force of Special Agents created in1908 at the behest of Attorney General Charles Bonaparte during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. The two happened to meet first when they shared dais at a meeting of the Baltimore Civil Service Reform Association, Roosevelt, then Civil Service Commissioner bragged how he had brought about reforms in federal law enforcement when doing so was often political rather than professional. He went on that Border Patrol applicants pass marksmanship tests, with the most accurate getting the jobs. Bona-parte, in his speech, made a frontal attack on him that target shooting was not the way to get the best men.However, the question arises whether the FBI is a model for India. Though it is true that terrorist acts have inter-state or international ramifications, it is equally true that a federal investigative agency will invariably depend upon local investigators for a graphic information about a neighbourhood’s or city’s crime conditions. Rivalry between the local and the federal agencies may accentuate the problem rather than resolve it. In India, every incident leads to blame game as political parties eye its electoral dividends. In England, there are no national police. There are local police under the control of local bodies but they get their salaries from the home office. Thus the control is dual. There is a Chief Inspector of Constabulary for coordination among them. Their coordination is perfect and politicians do not wash their dirty linen in public. A big burglary was committed in the main branch of the Bank of England the day the famed Scotland Yard, the CID of the London Police, moved to its new building in New Scotland Yard though both are housed in the same building. Till date, no body has been caught.What is needed in India is perfect coordination between the centre and states. Proliferation of new agencies or departments will not help without it. Defence Intelligence Agency and National Technical Research Organisation were created pursuant to the recommendation of the Kargil Committee, which looked into the reasons of the successful infiltration of Pakistani fighters across the LoC near Kargil, for setting up new intelligence agencies. Both of them are non-functioning calamities today. It is colossal waste of taxpayers’ money. Secondly, it must be ensured that such agencies are not against political adversaries. Even the RAW was accused of being used for political purposes and its redoubtable founder Director R. N. Kao was sacked by the Janata government in 1979. What is more. Such agencies are not accountable. In India, intelligence agencies are not answerable even to Parliament. It breeds corruption and even the FBI is known for it. Its chiefs, at times, have wielded huge political influence. Its first Director J. Edgar Hoover remained in his chair for 48 years till the last breath of his life. No American President dared to remove him. It was only after his death that the Congress made a law restricting the Director’s term to 10 years.In India, such a federal agency can work effectively only if the coordination between the centre and the state is superb. Its need is being felt for long. Even the Malimath Committee made such a recommendation in 2003, but the centre could not go ahead in the face of fierce opposition from state governments. Source: assam tribune editorial 15.06.08

The Ripun Bora Syndrome

The Ripun Bora Syndrome

How many ministers, and even the rest of the MLAs or MPs, do not belong to the upper economic class? One should find out what they get as salary, what they can acquire as assets with that salary, and what they really acquire

Bikash Sarmah

It should not have taken a Ripun Bora to shake the conscience of the people of Assam. Corruption and other forms of immorality are nothing new in this land of ours. There have been several instances in the past to prompt us into questioning the very need for democracy and the so-called welfare state if our leaders find it far more convenient to act as monarchs after being elected by the people. There have been instances that reflect on the ease with which our elected representatives manipulate the course of investigation against them and trample on the law of the land, and on their remarkable ability to win elections without performing anything at all — and despite the fraud they commit on the electorate. Therefore, the Ripun Bora episode is no big surprise. But there is something disturbing. It is the increasing frequency with which politicians are trying to buy their image by bribing those who matter, as also the increasing frequency with which those who matter are willing to be sold at fancy prices.In the wake of the arrest of the sacked Assam Education Minister, this newspaper has received several letters from its readers expressing shock and dismay over the incident. It is as if all of a sudden a realization has dawned upon them all as to the very destiny of their State in the hands of the political species who they have elected to serve them. The letters, which this newspaper has already published, have one thing in common: knowledge of how the elected representatives have served — or would serve — them and of how easy it is for the powers-that-be to influence the course of law and justice. Some of the letters point to the ‘‘taint’’ in the Gogoi cabinet and how the ‘‘tainted ministers’’ continue to enjoy protection from the Chief Minister himself because they are either his trusted lieutenants or extremely powerful on their own.What is surprising is the propensity of the people to react only after the inevitable has happened, and not when their sustained reaction and activism in the past could have worked out wonders for them and their society. It is amusing that only after the arrest of Ripun Bora the people should wake up and even spot the ‘‘taint’’ in the Gogoi ministry when it is common knowledge who is what — right when Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was forming his Council of Ministers, whether in 2001 or in 2006. So why this sudden awakening? To show that we are all alive and kicking as conscious citizens?This is not to even remotely suggest that people should not react when they have the scope and reason to react to episodes such as Ripun Bora’s. What I am trying to argue is that Ripun Bora cannot be so sudden a provocation when you already know the extent of criminalization of politics and politicization of crime in your beloved State. How many letters have people written to different newspapers about Ripun Bora between the day when the Gauhati High Court directed the CBI to investigate into the murder of Daniel Topno and the day when Bora was arrested by the CBI in New Delhi for attempting to bribe a CBI officer investigating the case? How many columnists have written pieces in different newspapers on Ripun Bora and his alleged involvement in the murder of Topno between the two days? We were all sleeping in utter bliss. Now of course we are smart citizens.It should not have taken so long to wake up and see the scheme of things that Dispur would anyway design. Here you have mostly leaders whose merit is not the virtue of being great democracy practitioners but the power of money and muscle that democracy seems to have sanctioned and legitimized for the sake of their sustenance — so that they may preside over our destiny only to take us closer to our doomsday every passing day. It should not have taken the people of the State a Ripun Bora to have a feel of Dispur as it is now, when they know it pretty well how even cheats and thugs can make a fortune in the profession of politics in this wondrous country. How many of us do not know that even if one fails in all spheres of life he has absolutely no reason to worry provided he has money and muscle power, because there is the profession of politics to absorb and reward him suitably? How many of us do not know that there is no place for saints in politics even though it is this politics that has helped sinners transform into ‘saints’ overnight?One may call it ‘‘Ripun Bora syndrome’’: the tendency of elected representatives to mould the state machinery to their own advantage, given the high success rate in the field; the tendency to make the law of the land subservient to them and their relatives; and the tendency, therefore, to break all laws — and also because as lawmakers they think the various laws they make should not exist for, and be applicable to, them and it is only the hoi polloi who should be bound by the laws. T here is another aspect of the Ripun Bora syndrome. It is the belief of powerful politicians that they are the state and, therefore, its resources are theirs, which means they think they have the divine right to loot the state exchequer and bleed the state dry. How many ministers, and even the rest of the MLAs or MPs, do not belong to the upper economic class? One should find out what they get as salary, what they can acquire as assets with that salary, and what they really acquire. One should find out how disproportionate their wealth is to their known sources of income.Is the Ripun Bora syndrome inevitable in the present scheme of things? It is inevitable, as many would argue, because people have no choice but to elect someone from the lot who are just the ones, as the people themselves know, who will not serve them because their commitment is not to the people but to their own interests. However, the people are at complete liberty to opt for a seemingly undemocratic practice — that of not at all exercising their right to franchise when they see there is none to cast their valuable votes for. This is the only option when democracy fails the people. This is the only option for the sake of a new democracy. Let the message, loud and clear, go to the candidates and the political parties they belong to that they do not deserve democratic mandate because they do not deserve to go to the august House of the people if they face allegations of crime and corruption and, despite this, if they want to be lawmakers.The tragedy of Assam is its people, their attitude, the lack of meaningful activism among them, and their inability to sustain whatever activism they help fashion. Going back to the reactions that have come after the arrest of the former State Education Minister, the question is not of the kind or intensity of reactions but one of their sustainability. There should be a sustained campaign against all forms of corruption in politics and its criminalization. But where is activism by citizens? Where are individuals to lead them? Even after the Ripun Bora disgrace, has anyone seen citizens’ groups or civil society groups staging demonstrations against the alleged taint in the government of the day? Or do the civil society groups in Assam exist solely for the protection of human rights of ‘insurgents’?Ripun Bora’s is not an isolated case. It is part of a continuum whose genesis lies in the manner in which politics is practised in India and in the indifference of the people to both criminalization of politics and politicization of crime. Ripun Bora’s is a manifestation of a kind of politics where the people remain resigned to their fate as decided by the politicians because they do not want to counter the might of ‘their’ leaders since they are either timid or unconcerned. It is the people who are responsible for the Ripun Bora syndrome. What have the people of Gohpur to say? And of Tezpur too, if one is talk of MK Subba? Source: sentinel assam

BJP dares CM to institute CBI probe

BJP dares CM to institute CBI probe

By A City Correspondent GUWAHATI, June 12 – The State BJP today demanded that Ripun Bora, who was taken into custody for offering bribe, be arrested for the murder of tea tribe leader Daniel Topno under the relevant Sections. Arguing that Bora’s efforts to bribe the CBI officials investigating the Daniel Topno murder case was proof of the fallen minister’s involvement in the crime, the party challenged Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to get the Manabendra Sarma, Pratul Deb, Puspa Gowala and Raju Munda murder cases investigated by the CBI.Addressing mediapersons, State BJP president Ramen Deka said that if investigations of the murder cases are handed over to the CBI, many powerful ministers would be languishing in jail like Bora.“If the Chief Minister has moral courage, he should hand over the murder cases to the CBI and not try to safeguard the ministers accused of being involved in the murder cases,” said Deka.The BJP has also demanded of the Government a white paper on the expenditures incurred on implementation of different schemes by the Education department and the transactions between the businessman Ramesh Maheswari, arrested along with Bora and several other ministers. “Immediate steps should be taken to seal all the firms owned by Maheswari and run with the taxpayers’ money,” demanded Deka.The party has demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged offering of bribe to AGP (P) head Prafulla Kumar Mahanta by the ruling Congress before the elections to defeat the AGP. It may be mentioned here that Ripun Bora had stated in a press meet that Rs 3 crore was given to Mahanta.Deka said that the Election Commission should take cognizance of the statement of Bora regarding the bribe offered to AGP (P).The party has demanded that Bora be stripped of his MLA status also. “We will approach the Sadachar Committee if need be to get Bora’s MLA seat cancelled,” informed Deka.Deka while expressing concern over criminalisation of politics said that when the State was passing through a critical social and political time, the law-enforcing agencies should not toe the line of the Government. “The CID has lost its credibility as it has been manipulated by the Government,” accused Deka. Source: assam tribune

Gogoi in double trouble as AASU alleges more tainted ministers

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is landing in more trouble if All Assam Students Union is to be believed. The state's powerful students body has urged the prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to order CBI probe into the allegations against five cabinet minister of the Tarun Gogoi Government.Talking to reporters on Tuesday in the city, the AASU leaders said they called on Dr Singh in the capital on Monday and urged Dr Singh to order CBI probes into the allegations raised against five cabinet ministers citing some specific allegations against them namely health minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, water resources minister Bharat Chandra Narah, excise minister Gautom Roy and power minister Pradyut Bordoloi. In a memorandum submitted before the Prime Minister, the students body has sought his intervention in the implementation of the Assam Accord, separate identity for Assam Oil Division and also for steps to bail out the Numligarh Refinery from the crisis. AASU General Secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi said, "we called on PM on June 9 and apprised him of the allegations against these ministers and urged him to order CBI probe into these allegations."They informed that the Prime Minister will contact the Assam Government soon in this regard before asking CBI to probe these. AASU adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacharjee alleged that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has been harbouring these tainted colleagues in his ministry. They further informed that in the memorandum they also demanded steps to implement the Assam Accord in letter and spirit, retaining of the current entity of the Assam Oil division, ensure subsidy for the Numligarh Refinery. They informed the mediamen that Dr Singh would soon seek report from the union home ministry."The Prime Minister has assured us of steps to address all these grievances and he himself has been monitoring these matters," said AASU president Shankar Prasad Roy.

Action & Reaction: Assam Govt to handover Prasanna Turung case to CBI

Action & Reaction: Assam Govt to handover Prasanna Turung case to CBI

Hours after the AASU submitted some specific allegations against five cabinet colleagues of Tarun Gogoi to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the first one to react with action is power minister Pradyut Bordoloi. Caught in the allegations of his role in the missing of Margherita NCP leader Prasanna Turung and his wife, the minister has urged the Chief Minister Mr Gogoi to hand the case over to CBI for a detail probe into it which the Assam Government has done accordingly.Talking to reporters on Tuesday, the minister said the government has done it in view of an aroused demand for a CBI probe as the police enquiry has been remaining clueless. Mr Turung and his wife Kamai Turung have been remaining untraced since April 8, 2007 from Margherita.According to Mr Bordoloi, there is widespread rumour among a section of people that a political conspiracy could be working in the missing of the Turungs.The minister said as soon as he received the complaint from Tirap Autonomous Demand Committee, he ordered the Tinsukia police superintendent to look into it with due seriousness but police investigation is still clueless.This has forced the minister for power, commerce and industry and also Margherita MLA Pradyut Bordoloi to urged the Chief Minister to order a CID or CBI probe into the case so that the real culprit could be identified and punished..The minister has admitted that the arrest of Ripun Bora has done a lot of harm for both party and the government.

Lakra demands capital punishment to Ripun

Lakra demands capital punishment to Ripun

From our CorrespondentTAMARHAT, June 9: AASAA president Justin Lakra demanded the death penalty for ex-Education Minister Ripun Bora, who was caught red-handed for trying to bribe a CBI officer with Rs10 lakh relating to the Daniel Topno murder case in Delhi. Lakra also demanded the arrest of Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for providing political protection to Ripun Bora. In an interview by newspersons in his residence today, Lakra alleged that in Daniel Topno murder case, Tarun Gogoi is equally responsible because when the case was in Gauhati High Court, the Judge who was supposed to handle the case was transferred, so that the matter could be handed over to the CBI.Calling Gogoi as Hitler of Asom, Lakra said that Gogoi has no moral right to be in power. AASAA has decided to hold protest meetings in every district and subdivisions on June 13 next to the protest against Sonia Gandhi’s visit. On the other hand, the 12 hour Asom bandh called by the AASAA was peaceful in Gossaigaon subdivision today.

Lakra demands capital punishment to Ripun

Lakra demands capital punishment to Ripun

From our CorrespondentTAMARHAT, June 9: AASAA president Justin Lakra demanded the death penalty for ex-Education Minister Ripun Bora, who was caught red-handed for trying to bribe a CBI officer with Rs10 lakh relating to the Daniel Topno murder case in Delhi. Lakra also demanded the arrest of Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for providing political protection to Ripun Bora. In an interview by newspersons in his residence today, Lakra alleged that in Daniel Topno murder case, Tarun Gogoi is equally responsible because when the case was in Gauhati High Court, the Judge who was supposed to handle the case was transferred, so that the matter could be handed over to the CBI.Calling Gogoi as Hitler of Asom, Lakra said that Gogoi has no moral right to be in power. AASAA has decided to hold protest meetings in every district and subdivisions on June 13 next to the protest against Sonia Gandhi’s visit. On the other hand, the 12 hour Asom bandh called by the AASAA was peaceful in Gossaigaon subdivision today.

AASU moves PM seeking CBI probe against 5 Asom ministers

AASU moves PM seeking CBI probe against 5 Asom ministers

By our Staff ReporterGUWAHATI, June 10: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has moved Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh demanding CBI inquiry into the allegations against a number of Asom ministers. The students’ body has told the Prime Minister that Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was protecting the ‘‘tainted ministers’’ of his Cabinet. A delegation of the AASU held a meeting with Dr Singh at his official residence in New Delhi yesterday.Talking to newsmen here today, AASU president Sankar Prasad Rai, general secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi and advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya said they demanded of the Prime Minister to ensure CBI inquiry against Asom Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain, Water Resources Minister Bharat Narah, Border Area Development Minister Gautam Roy and Power and Industries Minister Pradyut Bordoloi. The AASU leaders told the Prime Minister that Gogoi’s protective cover on his ‘‘tainted ministers’’ was proved with the arrest of former Education Minister Ripun Bora by the CBI.According to the AASU, while Himanta Biswa Sarma faces allegations of corruption and possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources on income, Rockybul Hussain faces allegations like involvement in the killing of journalist Prahlad Goala for exposing the encroachment of the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) land by people of suspected nationalities, Bharat Narah faces allegations of massive corruption in construction of embankments, Gautam Roy is an accused in the Pratul Deb murder case, and Pradyut Bordoloi faces an allegation of his involvement in the abduction of Prasanna Turung and his wife.The Prime Minister, according to the AASU leaders, said that the arrest of Ripun Bora was unfortunate. He, however, refused to air any comment on the demand for CBI inquiry into the allegations against other ministers of Gogoi’s Cabinet. “I will have to talk to the Asom Chief Minister because recommendations from his Government for any CBI inquiry into the allegations is a must,” the AASU leaders quoted the Prime Minister as telling them.According to the AASU leaders, the Prime Minister also expressed his surprise over the non-implementation of important clauses of the Assam Accord like total sealing of the border with Bangladesh, NRC update etc. “I will seek reports from the Asom Government and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on the implementation of the Assam Accord. Another round of tripartite talks on the Assam Accord will be held soon,” the AASU leaders quoted the Prime Minister as assuring them. During the meet, the AASU leaders termed Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi as the ‘‘saviour of Bangladeshis’’ for which detected foreigners do the vanishing act under his administration in the State.

CBI likely to probe Turung case

By our Staff ReporterGUWAHATI, June 10: The Asom Government will take up the case relating to the mysterious disappearance of Tirap Autonomous District Council Demand Committee (TADCDC) leader Prasanna Turung and his wife Kamal Turung with the CBI for investigation. The Turung couple has been missing since April 8, 2007.Talking to newsmen here today, Asom Power and Industries Minister Pradyut Bordoloi said Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has agreed to take up the case with the CBI for investigation. Bordoloi made it to the State Assembly from Margherita LAC from where Turungs hail. It is worth mentioning here that the arrest of former Asom Education Minister Ripun Bora by the CBI has led to demand for CBI inquiry against a number of ministers of the State who have allegations against them. Bordoloi said the NCP has politicized the Turung case with an ulterior motive to show his involvement in the case. “Turung had been fighting elections since 1986 and he never got more than 2,000 votes. So how can he be a rival for me?” Bordoloi questioned, and said: “I myself took up the case with the then Tinsukia SP. The police conducted an investigation and arrested two suspects from Siliguri — Amu and Apu — who are on bail now. I approached the Assam Police on the Turung case as I thought that the State police force was capable enough to handle the case. Since the whereabouts of Turungs couldn’t be ascertained, I wrote a letter to the Chief Minister on June 5 requesting him to hand over the case to the CBI.” He said the Chief Minister assured him of requesting the CBI to take up the case.On the arrest of Ripun Bora, Bordoloi said: “It’s unfortunate. The incident has outraged the image of the party and the Government. We are, however, taking steps to restore the image of the party and the Government through developmental works under the leadership of Tarun Gogoi. Gogoi has already made it a point that criminals have no place in his Council of Ministers.” Source: Sentinel Assam

Ripun Borah episode and its significance

Ripun Borah episode and its significance

— Dr Akhil Ranjan Dutta

The education Minister of Assam, Ripun Bora was arrested on June 3, 2008 in New Delhi in the alleged case of bribing a CBI official. It happened in a dramatic way. The euphoria of the successful completion of two years in power of the Tarun Gogoi-led BPPF government in Assam that celebrated the anniversary on May 25, 2008 was not yet over. The opposition was virtually put into a state of mum by the Government with series of sops announced on the eve of the anniversary and also the subsequent announcement of the constitution of the New Pay Commission under the chairmanship of Bhaskar Baruah. The middle class, particularly the salaried section in the State was virtually forgetful of the high inflation and insecurity arising out of it amidst the announcements like increase of DA to 97 per cent and an interim relief fund of 10 per cent of the basic pay till the new Pay Commission comes up with its recommendations. To be precise, the Government was in a safer side despite its failure on almost all fundamental duties like law and order and also rendering the very basic services to the people. The North Cachar Autonomous Council episode unfolded and ended without attracting wrath of the public despite the dirty game played by the autonomous council and that of the State government around the issue of massacre carried out by the DHD (J), popularly known as the Black Widow. The sensation created by the resignation of the Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Prof Amarjyoti Choudhury and the subsequent act of taking over charge of the University administration by the Chancellor, the Governor of Assam Ajai Singh was also slowing down. As instructed by the Chief Minister, the Ministers were busy in bringing out huge and costly advertisements in the newspapers and electronic media focusing on the success stories of the respective ministries. There was no public initiative to scrutinise the tall and false claims. Tarun Gogoi, encircled by the most trusted trio – Himanta Biswa Sarmah, Rockybul Hussain and Ripun Borah and his best smile in face roaming around through big hoardings and colourful advertisements.It was amidst these happy moments that one of the trio within the Tarun Gogoi Ministry Ripun Borah, the Education Minister of the State, was caught in broad daylight by CBI while bribing one of its officials. As reported, the intention behind the bribing was to escape from the alleged involvement of Borah in the murder of his political rival Daniel Topno at his constituency in Gohpur in 2000. Two others, one businessman and a news paper reporter were also arrested in the same case. People have known and heard about corruption and bribing of many public officials including the ministers. But a minister bribing a cbi official was something extraordinary that people hardly can imagine. The episode reminds us about the increasing vulnerability of political institutions and political competition. Therefore, it is pertinent to read the whole episode critically from relevant political angles.The incident of bribing of a CBI official underscores the almost confirmed involvement of Ripun Borah in the Daniel Topno murder case. If it really had happened then we are surely back into a state of feudal barbarism in political competition. We can no longer be complacent of the fact that such barbarism is a monopoly of Northern India – the homelands of feudalism. It also underscores the fact that the line between political competition and political revenge resulting in political murder is becoming extremely thin.The rare adventure of bribing a CBI official by a minister signifies the gross vulnerability of political and public institutions in Assam. Within the trio of the Tarun Gogoi ministry Ripun Borah was perceived as relatively clean, transparent and less corrupt. But, a minister handling the Education portfolio and coming out open to challenge a Vice-Chancellor of a University forcing him to resign was supposed to have some political ethics and morality. A minister, who used to sit in the offices of the Directorate of Education at Kahilipara, Guwahati at least once a week with proclaimed intention of doing away with corruption, has now proved to be a big drama. It could now be well understood that he was rather patronising corruption to earn extra money to bribe others whenever and wherever necessary to sustain his political show. Unfortunately Ripun Borah is not alone in this mission. Most of us are involved directly or indirectly in the mission undertaken by Ripun Borah. It is an open secret that the college teachers are forced to give bribes to the officials at Directorate of Higher Education for receiving approval of appointments, confirmation of appointments and also financial approval. This episode has also unfolded the myth of ‘simplicity’; ‘fairness’ and ‘transparency’ in social and political dealings of the Chief Minister of the State. It is hardly difficult to understand that a Chief Minister encircled by corrupt political managers cannot be non-corrupt and transparent. Ripun Borah must have bribed the Assam Police and the Chief Minister’s Vigilance cell with knowledge and permission of the Chief Minister. The sanctity of the office of the Chief Minister and the departments under him are now under eyes of big public suspect.The reliability and credibility of the fourth estate of democracy i.e. media will now be questioned more after the Ripun Borah episode where a journalist from a reputed news paper played the key role in mediating the act of bribing. It is high time that the media itself follows the norms of journalism including salary and other allowances and develop strict internal vigilance over the movement and activities of its own staff. Nexus between politicians and media could result in the sort of devastation that people are afraid even of imagining.The role of the opposition has been most disappointing during the past few years. It was all in silence when people have been suffering from high price rise in essential commodities and other problems arising out of the mal-governance at different fronts. Series of corruption have been exposed through RTI. But the opposition preferred to take recourse in silence. May be more use of it will dig their graves too. There has been no plan on the part of the opposition to encircle the government around these failures in the ensuing interim burget session. Suddenly they have picked up the Ripun Borah episode and is creating a hue and cry. There is an apprehension that the government will convert this crisis into an opportunity by diverting people’s attention from failure in governance to ‘one man episode’ where the government has done its very basic responsibility by dropping him from the ministry.The important question that we need to ask is whether the Ripun episode is an isolated incident altogether. It is certainly not. This is a product of a particular historical and political setting that we have been put into. It is a moment where everything is considered as commodity and the sanctity of political or public institutions is hardly respected. This is indeed the gift of the neo-liberal economic policies pursued by the Indian state for around two decades now. Under this neo-liberal regime the government no longer remains a public institution and public affairs respectively. It is under these circumstances that we are gradually transiting back to barbaric feudalism in new forms and styles both in personal and public affairs. Therefore it is a structural crisis that we are confronting today. Solution to the crisis will also invite structural changes. It now depends on how do we plan and act for such a structural change. (The writer is a Reader in Peace and Conflict Studies in the Department of Political Science, Gauhati University). Source: Assam Tribune

Pradyut denies role in missing couple’s case

Responding to insinuations in a section of the media seeking to link him with the disappearance of a couple from Margherita, State Power Minister Pradyut Bordoloi said that contrary to it, he had done his best to help track the duo. He even favoured a CBI probe in this connection. In a press conference today the minister revealing his concern and apprehension over the missing persons, stated he had been in constant touch with the police after Prasanna Turung and his wife Kamai Turung went missing in April 2007. Close on the heels of their sudden disappearance he had written a letter to the Tinsukia SP and sent a copy of that communication to the Director General of Police. This year he also wrote to the Chief Minister in his personal capacity. In his letter to the Chief Minister, dated June 5, 2008, he stated, “I would request you to kindly consider handing over the case either to the CID or to the CBI as you deem fit.”Referring to the case of the missing couple, Bordoloi mentioned that he had known Prasanna Turung, as he was a candidate from Margherita on several elections in the recent past. In 2006 Turung had represented the NCP while contesting the Assembly polls. Therefore, after he and his wife went missing on April 8, 2007, and FIRs filed, he also contacted the police requesting a sustained investigation.In due course the police made a special squad to put a trace on the missing couple. Subsequently, two persons – Komu and Apu – were arrested from Siliguri by the West Bengal Police. They also spent some time in custody before they were let out on bail. Bordoloi scotched rumours that he could be in anyway linked to the disappearance of the Turungs, saying, “My culture and ethos would never allow me to spite or harm any one who could be a political rival. Besides, that would not be in the spirit of my party under the leadership of Tarun Gogoi.”He went on to say that it was difficult to describe Prasanna Turung as his political rival because although the former had contested elections on several occasions, he had polled votes in the range of 150 to 2,000. Bordoloi, on the other hand, had won the last elections with a margin of around 60,000 votes.Interestingly, the minister hinted at a possible NSCN link to the case. Prasanna Turung’s wife belonged to the Tangsa tribe and had roots in Changlang, and some family members suspected people close the NSCN active in that part of Arunachal Pradesh could be involved in the mysterious disappearance. Source: assam tribune

AASU asks PM to institute probe

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has called upon the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh to institute a thorough probe into the allegations of corruption and illegal activities against several Ministers of Assam. The students’ body said that as the Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi has not taken any step to check such activities of the Ministers, the Centre must step in for a probe.In a memorandum to the Prime Minister, the AASU said that during the tenure of the present Government, the entire State Administration has become totally corrupt and the recent arrest of Education Minister Ripun Bora by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) totally exposed the state of affairs in Assam.The memorandum said that the Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was allegedly involved in criminal activities in the past and he amassed lots of properties through illegal means. But instead of taking action against him, the Chief Minister made Sarma the spokesman of the Government. The AASU demanded a CBI probe into the allegations against Sarma.The AASU said that poaching of rhinos increased alarmingly during the tenure of Rockybul Hussain as the Forest Minister of the State and in the year 2007 alone, more than 20 rhinos were killed. The AASU also alleged that Hussain encouraged settlement of illegal migrants in the forest areas and demanded that a CBI probe should be instituted against the Minister.The memorandum further stated that during the tenure of Bharat Chandra Narah as the Water Resources Minister, no positive step was taken for flood management and demanded a probe into the allegations of corruption against the Minister. The memorandum further said that a criminal charge is pending against Excise Minister Gautam Roy, while, it is alleged that Industry Minister Pradyut Bordoloi had a hand in the Prasanna Timung’s missing case.The AASU further said that the Sarba Siksha Abhijan Mission, headed by the Chief Minister failed to transform the elementary education scene in the state and the funds provided by the Centre in this regard were misused. Source: Assam Tribune

CBI may make Pathak its approver Bora’s bail plea rejected; to move High Court

From our Correspondent NEW DELHI, June 9:

Justice AP Garg of Tis Hazari Court of Delhi today rejected the bail plea of sacked Asom Education Minister Ripun Bora and his Delhi linkman Ramesh Maheswari. No bail petition has, however, been submitted to the court for journalist Mukul Pathak who was also arrested by the CBI in connection with the case.Ripun Bora’s advocate A Khan and Ramesh Maheswari’s counsel Harish Sharma jointly submitted the bail petition of the former minister and his linkman to the court on Saturday last. When the bail petition came up for hearing today, advocate Khan said: “Matters like as to why the CID gave Bora a clean chit in the Daniel Topno murder case need to looked afresh.” According to Khan, Bora had been in touch with CBI official AB Gupta since April last. Bora and the CBI official had separate meetings on April 16 and 26 in Delhi and Kolkata respectively. “Why didn’t the CBI arrest Ripun Bora then?” Khan questioned. He further said: “I said all these facts in accordance with the CBI’s case diary.” On the CBI’s statement that Bora had made an attempt to flee leaving the suitcase containing the cash near Room No. 213 of Jokashu Inn in Delhi on June 3, Khan questioned: “How can it be? Since Bora had been in touch with the CBI since April last, how could he change his mind all of a sudden on June 3 and try to flee?” He said the role of the CBI officer in the case needs to be examined.Maheswari’s advocate Harish Sharma wanted to know as to why his client was arrested as he was not on the spot where Bora and the CBI official met. CBI advocate BP Singh, on the other hand, argued that the duo should not be granted bail as there is every possibility of them tampering with evidence and witnesses if they are freed from judicial custody. After a patient hearing of all the sides, Justice Garg rejected Bora and Maheswari’s bail plea.Talking to newsmen later, Khan said: “We will move the High Court soon seeking bail for Bora.” It may be mentioned here that the Delhi High Court is closed till July 1.CBI sources, on the other hand, said the investigating agency is contemplating on making journalist Mukul Pathak the Government approver.

Gogoi set to showcase development before Sonia

By our Staff ReporterGUWAHATI, June 9: Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is preparing to showcase the developmental activities taken up by his Government during its two years to please Congress president Sonia Gandhi who is reportedly upset with the Government in the wake of the arrest of sacked Asom Education Minister Ripun Bora. According to highly-placed sources in the Congress, Sonia Gandhi is already disturbed due to the poll debacle that the party faced in a number of States. “The arrest of former Asom Education Minister Ripun Bora on the charge of bribing a CBI official at a time when the Lok Sabha election is nearing has disappointed the AICC chief. This is close on the heels of the anti-Gogoi lobby from Asom moving the party high command against Gogoi and a few of his Cabinet colleagues,” sources said, and added: “These developments have prompted the AICC president to pay a two-day visit to Asom.”Sensing the trouble ahead, the Gogoi administration has been racing against time to impress Sonia Gandhi with the developmental works done by his Government in his second term so far. According to party sources, the Chief Minister has already asked all the departments to submit reports of developmental activities done by them, and the report of all the developmental activities of the departments is being prepared by the Chief Minister’s Office. All the party MLAs have also been asked to make the June 13 farmers’ rally at Khanapara in Guwahati a grand success.The Congress MLAs, on the other hand, would have a tough time. According to party sources, the MLAs were the main crowd pullers in the May 25 celebrations on the completion of two years of the Congress-BPF Government in the State. “Bringing party supporters from faraway places to Guwahati is a matter of huge expenditure. As the MLAs had to spend huge amounts while pulling crowd from various districts of the State to Guwahati on May 25, pulling such crowd again in less than a month will be a financially burdensome for them,” party sources said. Meanwhile, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhubaneswar Kalita has requested all party MPs, MLAs, AICC members, PCC members, ZP members and District Congress Committee (DCC) members to ensure participation of farmers in large numbers from their respective areas in the June 13 rally in Guwahati. APCC’s media department secretary Amal Narayan Patowary said AICC’s Asom in-charge M Veerappa Moily will accompany Sonia Gandhi during the farmers’ rally in Guwahati. Moily is supposed to attend a party meeting on June 14 in Guwahati, he said. According to APCC sources, the farmers’ rally will highlight the farmers’ loan waiver scheme so as to boost agricultural production.

Sonia’s Asom visit may be cancelled

From our CorrespondentNEW DELHI, June 9: Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s proposed two-day Asom visit beginning June 13 may be cancelled. According to AICC sources, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had a meeting with Sonia Gandhi on her proposed visit to Asom.Earlier in the day, former Asom Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar met the Prime Minister and sought his intervention in the current situation in Asom. Mahanta was followed by a delegation each of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the AGP which also drew the Prime Minister’s attention towards the situation in Asom. The Prime Minister talked to Sonia Gandhi only after his meetings with the delegations from Asom. Sources close to Sonia Gandhi told newsmen that the AICC chief’s Asom visit may be cancelled. Source: Sentinel Assam