Caste allegation raised to confuse voters, says former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda

JAMSHEDPUR: BJP leader and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda today accused opposition parties of attempting to confuse tribal voters over his caste status with a motive to drive political mileage ahead of the coming Assembly election in the state.

"They (opposition) are free to put forward their version. But the allegation is baseless," Munda told newsmen when his reaction was sought over the claim by a section of tribal leaders about his caste status.

"The issue is being wrecked up ahead of the poll with the sole motive of driving political mileage by confusing the tribals," the BJP leader said.

Led by Congress' Bagun Sumbrai, a delegation of tribals last week appeared before a committee formed by the East Singhbhum district administration to probe the allegation that Munda was not a tribal by his caste.

They also submitted documents in support of their claim before the committee headed by Deputy Development Commissioner Dr Lalmohan Mahato.

Mahato, however, refused to comment on the issue as probe was still on.