Itanagar, Aug. 7: Parliamentary affairs minister and Arunachal government spokesman Tako Dabi has alleged that former chief minister Gegong Apang was trying to create a “schism” within the ruling Congress.

Addressing the media in his office last evening, Dabi said, “It is very unfortunate that a senior leader like Apang has instigated around 300 youths and public leaders and is planning to demonstrate in Delhi to demand an Abo Tani Autonomous Council or Tani land.”

He is also planning to highlight the misdeeds of some ministers who were his colleagues when he was chief minister. “It is unfortunate that a senior leader of his stature can indulge in such dissident activities only for selfish, political gain.”

Dabi, accompanied by PWD and urban development minister Nabam Tuki, home minister, Jarbom Gamlin and advisor to the chief minister, Takam Sanjay, warned the former chief minister against indulging in such acts of dissidence.

The minister further said that the state government would apprise the party high command of these developments.

Reacting sharply, Apang refuted the allegations as “baseless and unfounded”.

Addressing mediapersons at his residence, Apang said, “Allegations made against me by some of my former cabinet colleagues are false and baseless. It was done to malign my image.”

He said the minister must specify the geographical location of the Tani Autonomous Council.

“The government must clarify the geography of Tani Autonomous Council. The fact that it did not specify the area proves the whole story is fabricated,” he said.

“I relinquished my position to prevent my dissident cabinet colleagues from forming any political party. And now that same set of politicians who were ready to quit the party are questioning my integrity.”