Will quit if BJP proves Xatra land grab: Gogoi

CM orders probe into alleged RSS conspiracy to thwart Rahul Gandhi's Barpeta Xatra visit

BY Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Dec 13: Accusing the RSS of plotting to create trouble during Rahul Gandhi's visit to Barpeta Xatra, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Sunday offered to resign if the BJP and RSS can prove that any illegal foreigner is encroaching upon lands of Vaishvite mosteries in the state.

"I'll resign if they (BJP leaders) can prove that a single illegal foreigner has encroached upon Xatra land in Assam or else they should resign. There is no encroachment on Xatra lands and no Xatra has so far approached us complaining that their lands have been grabbed by foreigners," Gogoi said at a press conference.

The Chief Minister said the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has penetrated into the State's Xatras and accused the BJP of playing "Xatra politics".

Referring to Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's visit to the Barpeta Xatra during his road show on Saturday, Gogoi said the BJP and RSS had incited a section of the people in the ancient Xatra to oppose Rahul Gandhi's visit.

"We came to know about this two days before. The BJP and the RSS encouraged a section of the women to sit near Barpeta Xatra on Saturday to oppose Rahul Gandhi's visit. That is why Rahul Gandhi did not enter the Xatra yesterday (Saturday) in the beginning of his road show. However, he later came and paid obeisance," said Gogoi, adding that an inquiry has been ordered to unearth the conspiracy.

A section of the people, particularly women, had protested near the Barpeta Xatra on Saturday as the Congress leader did not enter the historical Xatra and started the road show even without bowing before the Xatra.

They later alleged that Rahul Gandhi had insulted the people of Assam by not entering the over 500-year-old mostery.

Gogoi also slammed the BJP for resorting to false propaganda against the Congress ahead of the 2016 assembly polls.

"The BJP has no issues; so they are spreading false propaganda against us to win the elections. Whatever they do, we are going to win as the people of Assam are politically very mature," he said.

"In the past, the people of Assam have voted fort us. We are going to fight the polls on peace and development agenda," the Chief Minister added.

Gogoi also said he would furnish a White Paper within twenty days on the funds released to the State by the UPA and NDA governments till date.