Controversial Remarks by Boxanagar MLA Tafazzal Hossain Spark Outrage; Lop Jitendra Chaudhury and Bubagra Pradyot Kishore Debbarma Demand Apology
Agartala, November 11: A political controversy has erupted in Tripura following the circulation of a video featuring Boxanagar MLA Tafazzal Hossain allegedly making derogatory remarks about the Tiprasa community and the TIPRA Motha Party during a campaign speech. The remarks have triggered widespread anger among indigenous communities, with opposition leaders and Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma strongly condemning the statement.
In the viral video, the MLA allegedly made objectionable comments referring to the traditional food habits and lifestyle of the Tiprasa community, including remarks about living and eating with pigs. The comments have been widely criticised as an insult to indigenous culture, traditions and identity.
Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury expressed deep disappointment over the remarks while speaking to the media. He said he came across the video while scrolling through Facebook and was deeply hurt by the language used by the BJP MLA.
Chaudhury pointed out that an elected representative who has taken an oath under the Constitution should be mindful of the language used in public discourse. He said the remarks not only targeted the CPI(M) and TIPRA Motha Party but also appeared to insult the entire Tiprasa community by referring to their traditional food habits and way of life.
Describing the statement as highly objectionable, unjust and painful, Chaudhury said it undermines Tripura’s centuries-old tradition of communal harmony and mutual respect among Hindus, Muslims, Tripuris, Bengalis and people belonging to different linguistic and religious communities.
Drawing a comparison with the recent case involving social media influencer Aamir Shokeen, who was arrested by Delhi Police over a controversial remark and subsequently brought to Tripura by the state police, Chaudhury urged the state government to ensure that Tafazzal Hossain is also dealt with under the relevant laws.
He appealed to the Chief Minister and Home Minister to take appropriate action against the MLA, urging BJP leaders and party members not to show any leniency over the issue. He also called upon political leaders across party lines to raise their voices in defence of communal harmony and social unity.
Meanwhile, TIPRA Motha founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma also reacted strongly to the controversy through a social media post.
Drawing a parallel between the MLA’s remarks and those allegedly made by YouTuber Aamir Shokeen, Pradyot said there was no difference in their attitude towards the Tiprasa people.
“We are Tiprasa and our eating habits don’t change with who is in power,” he said, demanding an apology from the MLA for his statement and for allegedly inciting communal hatred.
Pradyot further criticised what he described as hypocrisy, stating that those involved in smuggling cows to Bangladesh should not lecture the people of Tripura about their food habits.
The controversy has intensified political reactions across the state, with demands growing for a public apology and appropriate action against the Boxanagar MLA. The incident has also reignited debate over respect for indigenous identity, cultural practices and responsible political speech in Tripura.
