Assam's anti-foreigners movement sponsored by RSS, claims Tarun Gogoi

Guwahati: Assam's six-year long anti-foreigners movement was sponsored by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has alleged.

"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 Economic Times quoted Gogoi has saying.

The anti-foreigners movement (1979-85) was originally against all outsiders but later the agitation leaders directed the movement against Bangladeshi infiltrators in order to suit the RSS, Gogoi was quoted as saying.

Gogoi alleged that RSS tried to exploit the sentiments of the people of Assam.

The anti-foreigners movement ended after the signing of Assam accord which specified March 31, 1971 as the year for detection and deportation of foreigners.

Assam went to polls on April 4 and 11 for the 126-member Assembly. Counting of votes will take place on May 19. Gogoi said his party will win majority seats.