Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Critiques Tarun Gogoi Over Job Scandal
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Synopsis
In a recent assembly session, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma indirectly criticized Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi regarding allegations of favoritism towards former APSC Chairman Rakesh Paul during Tarun Gogoi's tenure. Sarma emphasized the need for transparency in government recruitment processes.
Key Takeaways
- CM Sarma targets Gaurav Gogoi indirectly.
- Accusations against Rakesh Paul highlighted.
- Allegations of corruption during Gogoi's administration.
- Transparency in recruitment emphasized by Sarma.
- Commission report details gift-giving practices.
Guwahati, March 3 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Monday made an indirect critique of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi regarding accusations of favoritism towards the disgraced former Chairman of the State Public Service Commission, Rakesh Paul, during Tarun Gogoi's tenure as Chief Minister of Assam.
Chief Minister Sarma aimed a subtle jab at Tarun Gogoi for his support of Rakesh Paul.
He stated, "The Congress party has devised a new model of corruption—hiding the proceeds of crime as a wedding gift. This is precisely what occurred at the wedding of a Congress MP."
During the Assembly's Budget session on Monday, he remarked: "At the marriage of former CM Tarun Gogoi, Rakesh Paul presented gold jewelry valued at Rs 3 lakh. The then Congress Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi manipulated regulations to appoint Rakesh Paul as the Chairman of the APSC. The tainted Chairman Paul initially approached Gogoi and subsequently requested to be made a member of the Public Service Commission. If someone were to approach me with a similar request, I would dismiss their appeal immediately."
"In his application, Paul mentioned nothing about his qualifications for APSC membership, stating only that he was an advocate at the Guwahati High Court. Nevertheless, upon receiving Paul's application, Tarun Gogoi swiftly forwarded it for due consideration. This was documented, and Paul was promptly made a member of the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)," said the CM, adding that for the first time in history, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission and all his accomplices were imprisoned.
CM Sarma further asserted, "From the APSC to Grade IV, we have enhanced transparency at all levels of government recruitment in Assam. Under our administration, deserving students secure government employment instead of relatives of Ministers, as was the case during Congress's rule."
Recently, a one-man commission led by (Retd.) Justice Biplab Kumar Sarma reported that the cash-for-job accused Rakesh Paul, former chairman of APSC, had presented lavish gifts during Gaurav Gogoi's wedding.
The commission also revealed that Paul frequently visited Tarun Gogoi's residence while he was Chief Minister, and Gogoi had shown favoritism by appointing the compromised official as APSC's permanent chairperson.
It was further indicated in the commission's findings that Paul would offer extravagant gifts during his visits to Gogoi's official residence in Koinadhara Hills, Guwahati.
Paul and several others have been charged in court for significant irregularities in APSC recruitments.
