Tarun Gogoi became the chief minister of Assam at a difficult time. Insurgency was at its peak, and brutal killings dominated headlines. Development was at a standstill. With empty coffers, government employees were not paid salaries for months together.
But the three consecutive terms of Gogoi's government -- from 2001 to 2016 -- have changed the Assam story. The number of killings by rebels has come down as several outfits were brought to the negotiating table. Economic growth accompanied the new stability. In 2013-14, for example, the state had a revenue surplus of more than Rs 200 crore.
While there is a long way to go, Assam is today drawing huge investments and holds pride of place in India. Having emerged stronger from the dark years, it is now looking ahead at building smart villages, e-governance to remove corruption, investments for the welfare of women and the youth, and employment-oriented education to stem brain drain.
Turnaround: Leading Assam from the Front is the story of how Tarun Gogoi's innovative and grounded style of governance helped bring about this change. As a record of Assam politics at its transformative best, it documents a trailblazing career and a state abuzz with the excitement of a makeover.
About The AuthorBorn in 1936, Tarun Gogoi is a veteran Congress leader. He was handpicked by Indira Gandhi to lead the Youth Congress of Assam in 1971 and later elected to the Lok Sabha for six terms. From 1991 to 1993, he was the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Food. From 1993 to 1995, he was the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Food Processing Industry. Thereafter, he returned to state politics and led the party to a record three consecutive electoral victories in Assam, completing fifteen years as chief minister in 2016. His son Gaurav is also a prominent Lok Sabha member from Kaliabor, Assam.
