Agartala, Nov 12: The Tipra Women’s Federation (TWF), the women’s wing of the Tipra Motha Party, on Thursday demanded the resignation of BJP MLA Tafajjal Hossain and exemplary punishment against him over his controversial remarks concerning the culture and food habits of Tripura’s indigenous communities. They appealed to Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha to take action against the MLA for his alleged derogatory remarks against the indigenous population and Motha party like the government has taken against Amir Shokeen for his alleged racial slur.
At a press conference in Agartala, TWF leaders strongly condemned the remarks made by the Boxanagar legislator, saying his public apology was not sufficient to bring the controversy to a close and that he should be held accountable both legally and administratively.
The press conference was attended by TWF president Manihar Debbarma, MLA Swapna Debbarma, vice-president Geeta Debbarma, senior leader Ati Debbarma and other women leaders.
They alleged that the MLA’s remarks had not only hurt the cultural sentiments of the indigenous population but also threatened Tripura’s longstanding tradition of ethnic and religious harmony.
Pointing to the state’s diverse social fabric, the TWF leaders said people belonging to different communities and religions, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians, had traditionally lived together with mutual respect. Such remarks by an elected representative could create divisions and foster hostility among different sections of society, they alleged.
The organisation appealed to Chief Minister Manik Saha to intervene in the matter and ensure that Hossain stepped down from his position as MLA. It also demanded a proper investigation and legal action to ensure exemplary punishment. The also warned that if action is not take they shall go for protest.
LTWF leaders cited the arrest of a content creator Amir Shokeen from Delhi for his alleged derogatory remarks and questioned why the same standards of law enforcement should not apply to a ruling party legislator.
The leaders insisted that the law must be applied equally, irrespective of political position or affiliation.
The controversy erupted after a video of Hossain’s remarks concerning indigenous people and their food habits during an election campaign surfaced on social media, triggering widespread criticism from political parties and tribal organisations.
Hossain has since publicly expressed regret over his remarks. Chief Minister Saha on Thursday said the BJP would take necessary organisational action and that the government and administration would act in accordance with the law.
The TWF’s demand adds to mounting pressure on the BJP leadership and the state government to respond to the controversy, which has become a politically sensitive issue amid efforts to maintain the BJP’s alliance with the Tipra Motha Party.
