Tripura BJP MLA apologises for remarks on Tiprasa food habits
Tafajjal Hossain issued an unconditional apology following allegations of making derogatory comments about the dietary practices of the Tiprasa community.
Boxanagar BJP MLA Tafajjal Hossain issued an unconditional apology on Tuesday to the Tiprasa community following alleged derogatory remarks regarding their food habits. The apology followed a video circulating on social media of the legislator speaking during an election campaign at Tamsabari in the Sonamura subdivision, according to NENow.
Hossain expressed regret during a press conference, stating he never intended to hurt anyone. He claimed the CPI(M) was distorting his speech as part of a political conspiracy and that a portion of the video was circulated without full context.
The Tribal Youth Federation (TYF) filed a police complaint with the West Agartala Police Station seeking an FIR against Hossain. The complaint, representing the TYF Central Committee president, alleged the MLA said, "They sleep with pigs and eat with pigs from birth."
Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma called for an apology, stating that food preferences are connected to cultural identity and tradition. He noted the difference between this incident and other controversies was that the remarks allegedly came from an elected public representative.
CPI(M) state secretary and Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury demanded legal action against the MLA. He urged Chief Minister Manik Saha to take action, describing the remarks as contrary to Tripura's tradition of communal harmony.
Chaudhury also accused BJP workers of forcing opposition candidates to withdraw nomination papers in the Ambassa Nagar Panchayat area. He alleged that BJP workers obstructed candidates from reaching the Returning Officer's office in several areas, including Ranirbazar, Jirania, and Mohanpur.