Tripura BJP issues a show-cause notice to Boxanagar MLA Tafajjal Hossain over alleged derogatory remarks about indigenous communities. Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha says the controversy should end after the legislator’s unconditional apology and urges public representatives to exercise caution.
The Tripura unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a show-cause notice to Boxanagar MLA Tafajjal Hossain over his alleged derogatory remarks concerning the food habits and lifestyle of indigenous communities. The development came hours after Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha stated that the controversy should come to an end following the legislator’s unconditional apology.
The notice was issued on November 11 by the BJP’s state disciplinary committee, directing Hossain to submit a written explanation within seven days. The MLA has been asked to clarify why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him over his controversial statements.
According to the notice, the disciplinary committee took serious note of a video circulating on social media in which the legislator allegedly made remarks about the food habits and lifestyle of tribal communities. The committee observed that the comments had triggered resentment among indigenous communities and other sections of society.
The notice also raised objections to what it described as speculative statements made by Hossain in the names of the incumbent and a former Chief Minister. It emphasised that elected representatives and party leaders must exercise restraint while making public statements, particularly on matters concerning different communities.
Issued by disciplinary committee convener Tapas Bhattacharya with the approval of the state BJP president, the notice warned that the party would take appropriate action under its organisational rules if the MLA failed to submit his explanation within the stipulated seven-day period.
The disciplinary action followed growing criticism from political parties, tribal organisations and members of the Tiprasa community. Hossain had earlier issued an unconditional apology after his remarks triggered widespread reactions. A police complaint was also lodged in connection with the controversy.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha addressed the issue while speaking to reporters during the BJP’s door-to-door election campaign in Agartala ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.
The Chief Minister said he had personally spoken to the Boxanagar legislator on Wednesday and advised him to exercise caution while making public statements. He added that the MLA had already apologised, leaving little room for further controversy over the matter.
“I have seen that he has already apologised. Therefore, there is little scope for further controversy on the issue,” Dr Saha said.
He further indicated that the legislator and the party would take necessary steps to ensure that such remarks were not repeated in the future.
When asked whether the matter had been communicated to the Union Home Ministry, the Chief Minister said he was not aware of any such development. However, he maintained that the state administration had taken the necessary steps and held discussions with the concerned stakeholders to address the situation.
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Dr Saha also stressed that public representatives must remain mindful of their language and responsibilities while addressing sensitive social and cultural issues. He said statements capable of hurting community sentiments or creating misunderstandings should be avoided.
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The controversy has drawn attention to the importance of maintaining social harmony and mutual respect among different communities in Tripura, a state with a diverse cultural and ethnic population.
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With the BJP’s disciplinary committee now seeking a formal explanation from the MLA, the party’s next course of action will depend on his response within the prescribed deadline. The development has also placed renewed focus on the responsibility of elected representatives to maintain restraint and promote harmony in public discourse.
