RSS sponsored Assam agitation, says Tarun Gogoi

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday stirred a hornet's nest when he said that six year long anti foreigners movement in Assam was sponsored by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ( RSS).

Gogoi alleged the six year- long movement (1979-85) was originally against all outsiders however later the agitation leaders directed the movement against Bangladeshi infiltrators. This was done to suit the RSS.

Gogoi said, "The Assam Agitation was sponsored by the RSS. BJP leaders Atal Behari Vajpayee and Arun Shourie were the guides. RSS had provided funds for the Agitation. All funds for the Agitation were given by the RSS."

The chief minister added that RSS had tried to exploit the sentiment of the people here.

"RSS is trying to reopen the old wound by making former minister and now BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma states that the year of detection and deportation of foreigners must be changed from 1971 to 1951."

The anti foreigners movement culminated in inking Assam accord which has agreed on March 31, 1971 as the year for detection and deportation of foreigners.

Putting his weight behind the date set by accord, Gogoi appreciated the present All Assam Students Union (Aasu) leadership for supporting the 1971 deadline.

Gogoi made this election issue before second phase of Assam assembly polls which concluded in April 11, Gogoi exuded confidence that his party will secure majority and will corner 65 seats out of total 126 and will form the government for the fourth consecutive term.