Agartala, Nov 11: Amid mounting political criticism over his controversial remarks concerning indigenous people and their food habits, BJP MLA Tafazzul Hussain of Boxanagar on Wednesday expressed regret, saying he had no intention of insulting the tribal community or hurting the sentiments of Tipra Motha supporters.
In a clarification issued after the remarks triggered a political controversy, Hussain claimed that his statement had been taken out of context and selectively edited by the CPI(M) to spread misinformation against the BJP.
Explaining the context, the MLA said that on Tuesday he was addressing voters in a Muslim-majority area of Sonamura Nagar Panchayat during the BJP’s urban election campaign. He alleged that the CPI(M) had repeatedly portrayed the BJP as anti-Muslim and that he was attempting to counter the narrative.
Hussain said he had drawn a comparison to explain whether Muslims supporting the Tipra Motha could be questioned over the party’s association with a tribal community whose members traditionally consume pork, which is prohibited in Islam. He maintained that the comparison was intended to explain that Muslims could support the BJP despite allegations that the party was anti-Muslim.
Denying any intention to demean indigenous people or the Tipra Motha, he said the BJP and Tipra Motha were currently alliance partners in the NDA government in Tripura.
“If my remarks have hurt the sentiments of my tribal brothers and sisters, I sincerely apologise,” Hussain said, expressing regret over the controversy.
The clarification came after Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma strongly objected to the remarks, drawing a parallel with the alleged racial slurs involving Amir Sokhin, who was recently brought to Tripura from Delhi in connection with a controversial social media video.
Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury also condemned the MLA’s remarks and demanded action against him, raising concerns over the dignity and sentiments of indigenous communities.
The controversy has emerged at a politically sensitive time, with the BJP and Tipra Motha seeking to strengthen their alliance ahead of the urban local body elections.
