Modi’s politics won’t work here: Tarun Gogoi

Appearing in his last election since contesting and winning his first in 1971, 81-year-old Tarun Gogoi tells TOI that it’s time for his generation to step aside for the young. Excerpts…
Of the five poll-bound states, Assam might be the sole face-saver for Sonia Gandhi, Rahul and Congress. Do you think you can live up to the expectations?
Assam is definitely going to fly the Congress flag high.Congress is an all-inclusive party and has a strong base in the state. We are working for every section of society, irrespective of religion, caste and language. People have seen how we have maintained peace and harmony and preserved and developed the culture and heritage of every group. We have put development on the fast track.
Do you think the people of Assam will accept Modi’s brand of politics?
Assam is against Modi’s kind of politics which propagates one type of culture and uniformity. India is a diverse country and Assam, too, is full of diversity. This is the land of Sankardeva and Azan Fakir. Our culture is quite different. If Modi tries to impose his style here, it will not work.
What are your strengths?
Commitment to working for the common people is my strength. Commitment to preserving Assamese culture, tradition and harmony and ensuring the welfare of the people is my strength. Congress has fought for the common people all along. Even today, I am fighting against the injustice done to Assam by the Modi government. I will go on fighting to see that justice is done to the people of the state.
What, according to you, has been the low point in your three terms as chief minister?
I believe I could have done better in every field. For example, I wanted to overhaul the education system. The education system in the entire country is outdated. I also wanted to change the administrative system, but, being a part of India and working within a federal structure, I have to follow certain rules and regulations.
In every election in the last 15 years, you have been against any alliance with Badruddin Ajmal’s All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF). Why?
We don’t want to erode our base by allying with AIUDF. The whole idea is to strengthen Congress. If you keep depending on others, you become weak.
You have announced that this will be your last election. Have you groomed your successor or will it be your son, Gaurav?
My job is to encourage all young leaders, not any particular individual. I have been encouraging youngsters from the beginning. In 2001, I made so many young leaders ministers, be it Rakibul, Himanta, Pradyut or Ajanta. I have to promote everybody. It is a fact that we, the old generation, will be replaced by youngsters. Nobody grooms a leader, but we can encourage one. A leader emerges because of his commitments and capacities.
Would you say something about your relationship with the Gandhi family?
I have the best relationship with the Gandhis. It was Indiraji who encouraged me. I was a young man then and I knew nothing about Delhi politics. I didn’t come from a political family. Nobody knew my parents. Indiraji encouraged me, I must give credit to her for whatever I am today. I have worked with Rajivji, Soniaji and now Rahulji. I am lucky they have faith in me.