Guwahati: Former Assam Director General of Police (DGP) and Chief Information Commissioner Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta has clarified the reasons behind his resignation, stating that his decision was driven by “conscience and fairness.” In a detailed Facebook post, Mahanta said he stepped down to avoid any perception of bias amid an ongoing controversy involving his brother, entrepreneur and cultural organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta.
Mahanta, who assumed charge as Assam’s Chief Information Commissioner on April 5, 2023, highlighted the reforms he had initiated during his tenure to make the Information Commission more efficient and accessible. “I tried to ensure the Information Commission was people-friendly, by introducing online applications, video hearings, regular case disposal, and strict action against those misusing the RTI Act for blackmail,” he wrote, adding that his focus was on digitising office processes and promoting transparency through paperless systems.
He expressed that although he had developed a strong emotional connection with the institution, a “special situation” compelled him to resign before completing his term. Referring to the controversy surrounding his brother, who has been named as one of the prime accused in connection with the death of singer Zubeen Garg, Mahanta said he wanted to uphold public trust in the office he held.
“In such a situation, my conscience told me that if any RTI applications are filed seeking information related to my brother, there should not be any room for doubt or misunderstanding in the public mind. For that reason, I felt it would be right for me to step down,” he stated.
Mahanta revealed that he had already informed the Chief Minister’s Office of his intent to resign if such a situation arose. He had also instructed his staff to alert him immediately if any RTI applications related to his brother were filed.
“Recently, an RTI application was filed seeking information about government funding for various cultural events involving my brother. The applicant also wrote to me personally, expressing complete trust in my honesty and transparency. Still, since I had already decided what to do in such a case, I did not delay in submitting my resignation to the Hon’ble Governor,” Mahanta explained.
He further added that even if he had stayed on, the applicant would have received accurate information, but he chose to resign to prevent even “the slightest doubt” regarding his impartiality. Mahanta’s resignation, he concluded, was a personal decision rooted in integrity and respect for public confidence in the office of the Chief Information Commissioner.
