Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. (Source: PTI) Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. (Source: PTI)

Assam CM Tarun Gogoi said Tuesday that he had received intelligence inputs that RSS workers had planned to stop Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi from entering Barpeta Satra, during his recent visit to the state. “We had intelligence report that RSS would try to prevent Rahul’s entry into the temple,” he told reporters outside Parliament.

A statement issued by Gogoi’s office said: “…he (Gogoi) had personally requested the satradhikar to facilitate Rahul Gandhi’s entry into the satra…” The statement also said intelligence reports suggested that the women who allegedly prevented Rahul from entering the satra had RSS links.

Reacting to the allegations, Basistha Sarma, head of the Satra said: “On Saturday, women and elderly devotees had come to the Satra in large numbers because they wanted to see Rahul Gandhi. It is unfortunate that they have been accused of plotting to prevent him from entering,” he said.

Heads of other Assam monasteries have criticised Rahul and Gogoi’s allegations. “I appeal to the CM not to use satra institutions for petty political gains,” said Janardan Dev Goswami, head of Uttar Kamalabari Satra. Pitambardev Goswami, head of Auni-ati Satra said satras have been symbols of liberal ideas. Alleging that Gogoi and Rahul had indulged in petty politics, he said: “Dragging a satra into political controversies is not good.”

(With ENS Delhi)

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