Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury demands legal action against BJP MLA Tofajjal Hossain over alleged derogatory remarks targeting Tripura’s tribal community, urging CM Manik Saha to ensure impartial investigation and strict enforcement of the law.
Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) State Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury has demanded legal action against BJP MLA Tofajjal Hossain over alleged derogatory remarks targeting the tribal community, stressing that no individual should be exempt from legal accountability because of political position or affiliation.
Addressing the controversy on Wednesday, Chaudhury strongly objected to comments allegedly made by the BJP legislator in a video clip that has recently circulated on social media. The footage reportedly contains remarks directed at the CPI(M) and TIPRA Motha, triggering criticism over language considered offensive towards tribal communities.
Condemning the alleged statements, the Opposition Leader said such remarks were unbecoming of an elected public representative who had taken an oath under the Constitution. He maintained that representatives holding constitutional responsibilities must demonstrate respect towards every community and refrain from making statements that could hurt people’s sentiments.
Chaudhury highlighted Tripura’s longstanding tradition of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among different communities, languages and faiths. He said the state’s social fabric had been built through cooperation between tribal and non-tribal populations, and any attempt to demean a particular community could undermine this shared heritage.
Drawing a comparison with the recent racial harassment controversy involving Delhi-based content creator Amir Shokeen, Chaudhury referred to the action reportedly taken by law enforcement agencies in that case, despite the accused subsequently issuing an apology. He argued that allegations involving discriminatory or offensive remarks should be examined consistently, regardless of the identity or political standing of the person concerned.
According to Chaudhury, the law must apply equally to elected representatives and ordinary citizens. He warned that any perceived preferential treatment in cases involving alleged insults against a community could weaken public confidence in the administration and send an undesirable message to society.
He further cautioned that such controversies could adversely affect communal understanding, social harmony and the aspirations of future generations. Maintaining dignity and mutual respect among communities, he said, should remain a collective responsibility rather than becoming an issue of political confrontation.
The CPI(M) leader also expressed hope that senior BJP leaders would publicly distance themselves from the alleged remarks and oppose statements capable of hurting the sentiments of tribal communities. He urged political leaders across party lines to uphold the dignity, identity and honour of indigenous people.
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Calling for immediate intervention by the state government, Chaudhury appealed to Chief Minister and Home Minister Dr Manik Saha to ensure that the allegations were properly examined. He demanded that appropriate legal proceedings be initiated if any wrongdoing was established through the investigation.
Reiterating his position, Chaudhury said political influence or public office should never become a shield against accountability. He maintained that protecting the dignity of tribal communities and preserving Tripura’s social harmony require impartial enforcement of the law.
