Ahead Of Poll Verdict, Tarun Gogoi Releases His 'Turnaround' Story

Guwahati: While he awaits the results of Assam's assembly election due on Thursday, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has decided that the time is right to tell his story.

On Saturday, senior Congress leader Dr Karan Singh released Mr Gogoi's autobiography, Turnaround: Leading Assam From The Front, where he recalls his close association with the Gandhi family and his days as a minister in the Narasimha Rao government.

Mr Gogoi describes Mr Rao as a "modern man who initiated several reforms in tenure" but is critical of his handling of the Babri Masjid demolition.

"Breaking all conventions as a minister, I even wrote a letter telling him that he should not have allowed this to happen. However, he did not respond to my letter," Mr Gogoi writes in his book.
 Talking about the imposition of Emergency, Mr Gogoi puts the blame on Indira Gandhi's "advisers" but does not name anyone.

"I do not seek to justify the Emergency. She had a group of advisers who influenced her. However, it was a peaceful transition. She was not compelled but she voluntarily gave up absolute power. It shows Indiraji's commitment to democratic values. People do make mistakes," writes Mr Gogoi in his book.

Facing his toughest election so far, is the book a way of announcing retirement if his party loses to the BJP?

"No, I will be active politically. It does not mean that you have to be power," said Mr Gogoi even as he insists his party will form the government for a record fourth term.

The Congress will certainly hope that Mr Gogoi delivers one more turnaround story in these elections.