The year began with veteran Congressman Shiv Charan Mathur comfortably seated in the Governors chair as the former Rajasthan chief minister inched closer towards carving a place in the hearts of the Assamese people due to his active interest in the affairs of the state. He not only voiced his opinion in matters concerning the state, ranging from infiltration to big dams, but also opened up the Raj Bhawan to the public who could freely approach the Governor on fixed days of the week with their problems. But health betrayed Mathur. Having been unwell for nearly the entire term since he assumed the office in July 2008, Mathur breathed his last in New Delhi in June this year.
New Delhi then found in Syed Sibtey Razi, who was then Governor of Jharkhand, the new Governor of Assam. But barely a month into his new assignment in this north- eastern state, Razi was embroiled in a raging controversy in August over alleged money laundering by his staff during his term in Jharkhand Raj Bhawan. The CBI raided houses of his aides and subordinates of Jharkhand Raj Bhawan, slapping on them charges of accepting money for transfers and postings during Razis tenure.
As Razis name was dragged into the scene, the Assam government declared its discomfort and displeasure in having him occupy the highest office in the state. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who has meticulously strived to maintain a corruption-free image, dashed to New Delhi to place his case for removal of Razi, though he officially cited different reasons for visiting the national capital.
As rumours spread that Razi has been asked to demit office in August, the Governor had to come out to defend his position and maintained that he had not received any such instruction. Mr Gogoi also stated that Dispur had no problems with Razi continuing in office. But a change in guards in the Raj Bhawan was eminent and the government tactfully bade farewell to Razi by not extending his tenure, which lapsed this December.
Another senior Congressman and former Orissa chief minister J B Patnaik assumed the office earlier this month, becoming the third person to hold the office within a span of a year.