Gogoi admits corruption, but wonders Anna's ability to check

Guwahati, Nov 10: Admitting that no government department in the state is free from corruption,

Chief Minister

today wondered how corruption could be checked by

and his associates "supported by those indulging in corruption".

"I do admit there is corruption in all departments. No department is free from corruption. I am saying that. It is a fact," Gogoi told reporters here. To a query Gogoi said, "I cannot say which department is more corrupt than the other."

"I welcome Anna Hazare's campaign against corruption. I support any movement against corruption. But not of Anna or of those supported by those indulging in corruption," he said.

"Media reports claimed that 20,000 people participated in Anna's recent public rally here. A lot of money has to be spent for such a rally and bringing the people," Gogoi said.

"Since my school days I have been involved in organising public meetings and I know contributions have to be taken for it. If the condition of landless farmers here has improved to come for the rally at their own cost then I have nothing to say," he said.

"If donations are taken from those indulging in corruption, then how will corruption be checked. Only Anna Hazare and Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) know," the chief minister said. On the KMSS, which organised the rally addressed by Anna here, the chief minister said, "KMSS is only organising an agitation, while our government is trying to give them freedom."
PTI