Tripura BJP MLA faces row over remarks on tribal food habits
Tipra Motha Party founder demands an apology after a video of the legislator's comments circulated on social media.
A controversy has erupted in Tripura following alleged remarks made by BJP MLA Tafajjal Hossain regarding the food habits and cultural identity of the tribal community. According to reports by The Economic Times and ThePrint, a video purportedly showing the Boxanagar MLA making objectionable comments about the lifestyle of indigenous people has circulated on social media.
Tipra Motha Party (TMP) founder Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma demanded a public apology from Hossain, accusing him of inciting communal hatred. Debbarma stated that the food habits of indigenous communities are an integral part of their culture and that people in the Northeast should not face discrimination over dietary practices.
Leader of Opposition and CPI (M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury described the remarks as irresponsible and objectionable. Chaudhury urged Chief Minister Manik Saha to take action against the legislator, noting that the CPI (M) youth wing has lodged an FIR at the West Agartala Police Station.
BJP state general secretary Bipin Debbarma called the remarks undesirable and said the party would lodge a complaint with the state president and the Chief Minister. He stated that the party believes everyone should respect the culture and traditions of others.
Hossain expressed regret over his remarks in a video message, seeking to clarify that he made the comments at Sonamura in Sepahijala district. He alleged that the CPI (M) was carrying out a politically motivated misinformation campaign and said he never intended to hurt anyone.