In a land, which had witnessed the lootings of the Persians, Moghuls, British and then by our own politicians, today the first day of this New Year, Wishesh would like to bring before you the spotless, scamless politician who has served as Chief Minister since 1998. From the Bofors to the 2G, we have witnessed lots of political names involved at the higher levels, but of course we are yet to frame a single case. But this man needs to be commended for earnestness and dedication to serve.

The man in discussion is none other than the Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar. He has no home and his bank balance is just Rs 13,920 when he filed his balance sheet for elections in 2008. The fact is probably strange, but it is true. He is a Politburo Member of Communist Party of India (Marxist), not only believing in its ideology but has also evolved his life around them.

`I am dependent on my wife Panchali Bhattacharjee, who is an officer of the Central Social Welfare Board under the Central Government,’ said the CM. The entire salary along with allowance, he earns, is donated to the party fund, all along. A non-smoker and teetotaler, Sarkar's critics and archrivals in the Congress and other opposition parties are also quite impressed by his personal integrity and honesty.

`If Sarkar and his wife take part in the same programme, the Chief Minister goes in his official vehicle while his wife travels in a rickshaw or an auto,’ said an official of the Chief Minister's secretariat.

This man is a trendsetter in his class, but not many would even dream of adhering to his path. Hope and pray for more likes of Manikji in our country. At least 50% of his qualities would do, for seeing India as a developed nation.