Dibrugarh MP Rameswar Tali in award controversy

GUWAHATI: BJP MP from Dibrugarh constituency Rameswar Tali on Tuesday kick started a controversy when he said that those intellectuals and scientists who are returning the awards have received money from Congress to return them and defame Narendra Modi-led government.

Tali while addressing media persons in Dibrugarh on Tues day said Assam's noted littera teur and journalist Homen Borgohain has decided to re turn the Sahitya Akadem award as he has received Rs 15 lakh from Congress to do so He said: "Borgohain got award when Congress was in power The award carried Rs 1 lakh however by returning the Rs 15 lakh from award he has got the Congress. There is an attempt to defame Prime Minister Narendra Modi and get publicity."

His remark sparked off a controversy. Homen Borgohain said it is unfortunate that such people were politicians. "One must check facts before making such allegations," he said. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said the allegation against Borgohain is baseless, unfortunate and disrespectful.

Later talking to ET over telephone Tali said: "What I meant was awards are being returned for some consideration.However I have not mentioned Borgohain's name. I apologise if I have hurt anyone."

Last month Borgohain decided to return the honour as a mark of protest against the Dadri killing and growing religious intolerance in the country.