I am responsible for the defeat: Tarun Gogoi

GUWAHATI: Former Assam chief minister, Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday sought forgiveness for the lapses that took place during his 15 year rule. Gogoi admitted that he was not able remove corruption in the state.

Gogoi under whose leadership congress suffered humiliating defeat in 2016 assembly polls said that he will not quit active politics.

“As leader I am responsible for the defeat and people has given us mandate to be in opposition. We will analysis as to what went wrong and come back.” Gogoi said.
The former chief minister said, “BJP was able to project foreigners’ issue. Together with RSS they were able to project that identity of Assam is in danger. These were the issues in 1985. However than people hated congress but now this is not the case the situation is much better.”

Several leaders in party is blaming Gogoi for the debacle where congress is reduced to 26 seats from the 78 seats. Gogoi said, “This is not the first time congress is facing debacle. In past also we have faced it and that time also I was party president. “

Gogoi added, “The party will make effort to regain the faith of the people. “ We were not able to comprehend the work done by RSS. RSS has been working here for some time now. Assam accord must be implemented.”

The former chief minister said that he has asked new chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal to ensure that special category state status of Assam is restored, fiscal package of North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy, 2007 (NEIIPP) is restored .Special category states get externally aided aid/projects where 90 percent will come as grant and 10 percent loan. Without this it will very difficult for him to operate.