Guwahati, June 7: Dispur today unveiled a road map about the future it has in mind for the state, the stress being on toning up the administration by ensuring transparency and accountability and resolving contentious issues such as D-voters, National Register of Citizens, 1951, and militancy.

Governor J.B. Patnaik revealed the mind of the government in a 43-page address which he read out in 85 minutes without a single disruption, something which veteran legislators and Assembly officials dubbed as a feat in itself as none of the governor’s addresses since the late Eighties had passed off peacefully.

The address has made it clear that the Tarun Gogoi-led coalition government will continue with its welfare and administrative measures to improve the lot of the downtrodden, women and rural populace besides upgrading the education and health sectors.

“The overwhelming support of the people of Assam has increased our responsibilities and strengthened our resolve to redouble our efforts. We want Assam not only to be a sanctuary of peace and prosperity but also to be comparable with most developed states of the country,” Patnaik said.

The issue of D voters figured prominently in the address because the government feels a large number of them are genuine Indian citizens.

Dispur’s urgency is seen as a pre-emptive strike to neutralise the AIUDF, which had made D-voters a hot poll issue, fetching rich dividends in lower Assam.

The other notable announcements (see chart) included the promotion of 10,000 Amar Dukans from existing fair price shops to prevent price rise, introduction of a reticulated LPG grid system in multi-storeyed buildings in cities and towns and setting up of a special care home for HIV-affected children.

Though the government talks about fast tracking development and resolving ticklish issues, it has not given any timeframe within which these will be achieved, evoking cynicism from the Opposition camp. These issues included D-voters, NRC, Rs 1,000-crore package for Barak Valley, holding elections to Rabha Hasong, Mising and Sonowal Kachari autonomous councils.

Expectedly, AIUDF legislature Sirajuddin Ajmal said, “We will be meeting the chief minister so that a mechanism can be evolved to ensure that Indian citizens are not harassed or deprived in the name of D voters. We will seek specific time-bound steps to resolve both the D-voters as well as updating the NRC issue. Without a specific timeframe, such commitments hold no meaning.”

AGP’s Bhupen Ray, too, called for time-bound steps to resolve the twin problems, which, he alleged, was Dispur’s creation. “We will be bringing some amendments,” senior AGP legislator Sahidul Alam Choudhury said.

The disruption-free governor’s address was as much talked about as were its contents.

Congress members could not hide their glee over the disruption free address in a “long, long time”, which they attributed to the “sobering” impact of the poll results on the Opposition parties. Not only did the latter’s strength fall to 33 in the 126-members House but several of its vocal members such as Ranjit Dutta, Bhuban Pegu, Girin Boruah, Abdul Aziz, Chandra Mohan Patowary bit the dust.

Senior Cong MLAs Bhumidhar Barman, Abdul Muhib Majumdar, Sarat Saikia, Rana Goswami and first-timers Rekibuddin Ahmed and Pallav Lochan Das were of the view that there was hardly anything to disrupt because the “positive” address had covered all aspects and concerns.

Two-time Bihpuria legislator Bhupen Borah said, “By keeping quiet, the Opposition did a wise thing. They have also gained like us. If they had indulged in shouting and sloganeering, it would have sent the wrong message.”

AIUDF’s Sirajuddin Ajmal could not help but agree. “We had decided last night that we would not disrupt for the sake of disrupting because people would get the wrong impression. Even the AGP had similar views. However, that does not mean that we will keep quiet,” he said.

Speaker Pranab Gogoi said this was very positive start and hoped the trend continued.