GUWAHATI: Activists fondly remember Congress veteran and former CM Tarun Gogoi as a man who never tried to curb freedom of expression even when the joke was on him and his government.
Noted intellectual Hiren Gohain, who faced sedition charges during the anti-CAA movement while opposing the citizenship legislation, said the freedom of expression and dissent was “far better” in the 15-year rule of Gogoi. “Gogoi had tolerance for statements or ideas even if he didn’t personally approve or support it. This is very rare in the present time,” he added.
Theatre activist Sitanath Lahkar said, “He was very sporting. He could take criticism sportingly which is something unthinkable in today’s India.”
He added, “I as an activist of political theatre (which is always anti-establishment) criticised the government led by him a lot in both street and stage plays. This is the respect shown by a statesman-like ruler to the creativity and liberty of artistes, which is unimaginable in today’s regime.”
He further said, “I am not a fan of Congress but I must admit that drama activists like me enjoyed a lot of freedom during his tenure. The democratic ambience helped us in giving vent to our expressions, which was invariably anti-government. Freedom of expression or speech was never curbed compared to what we are witnessing across India today,”
He added, “If you can recall, there was a popular TV comedy show – Supati – where the joke was always on him. Instead of taking umbrage, he used to enjoy the show. ”
An official in the State Information Commission said Gogoi was jolly and could crack jokes on himself. However, he was an hardcore administrator.