Guwahati: Former Assam chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta today claimed his government had never opposed Scheduled Tribes status to Adivasis and said the ruling Congress is leading a "disinformation campaign".

Mahanta said the Tarun Gogoi-led government was leading a disinformation campaign against him and his erstwhile government. Gogoi, who is also the home minister, is solely responsible for the November 24 clash here between tribal protesters and locals that led to the death of one person. "He now wants to cover up for his failure by putting the blame on us," Mahanta told reporters.

"The Congress is blaming us by quoting a letter sent to the Centre by our government. However, it was only a reply to a letter sent by the Centre seeking clarification on the status of Adivasis and other tribals who have come from other states and whether they enjoy educational, social and economic facilities or reservation status in Assam," Mahanta said. He demanded Gogoi's resignation as he "had completely failed in maintaining law and order in the state".

"The recently-concluded council elections in North Cachar Hills district was an example where the state Congress president even could not campaign," he said. Mahanta alleged that the state government has violated the model code of conduct as it has announced sops for the Adivasis after the notification of the Panchayat polls.

Source : PTI