Agartala, Nov 13: The opposition CPI(M) and Congress on Friday accused the BJP-led Tripura government of adopting double standards in dealing with controversial remarks by its Boxanagar MLA Tafajjal Hossain against the indigenous community, questioning why no arrest had been made despite police action against social media content creator Ameer Shaukeen in a similar separate case.
CPI(M) state secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury alleged that Chief Minister Manik Saha’s public response to the controversy, citing the MLA’s apology, was unfortunate and reflected a discriminatory approach towards people accused of making objectionable remarks.
Drawing a comparison with Shaukeen’s case, Chaudhury said police in Delhi had arrested the content creator following the circulation of a controversial video, after which Tripura Police took custody of him and brought him to the state for further investigation.
He argued that Hossain’s remarks had further hurt public sentiment at a time when the controversy surrounding Shaukeen had already caused widespread resentment among indigenous communities and other sections of society.
Questioning the Chief Minister’s response that the MLA had apologised, Chaudhury said an apology could not substitute legal action. He warned that if the police failed to act impartially, his party would approach the court and seek accountability for the alleged inaction of the state police.
Congress MLA and senior leader Sudip Roy Barman also accused the BJP of shielding leaders facing allegations of wrongdoing, alleging that the ruling party had become a refuge for people accused of criminal activities.
“This is not merely an individual’s statement but reflects the mindset of the BJP and RSS,” Roy Barman said, alleging that the remarks exposed the ruling party’s attitude towards Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other marginalised communities.
Demanding Hossain’s resignation, he said the legislator had hurt the sentiments of indigenous people and that the BJP had a moral responsibility to remove him from the Assembly.
Roy Barman also questioned why Hossain had not faced police action similar to that against Shaukeen, arguing that the law should apply equally irrespective of political affiliation.
He demanded registration of a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, particularly Section 3(1)(r), which deals with intentional insult or intimidation intended to humiliate an SC/ST member in public view. He also referred to Section 3(1)(s), concerning caste-based abuse in public view.
The Congress leader demanded resignation of the BJP MLA and questioned whether the police had registered an FIR under the appropriate provisions and expressed doubts over the government’s willingness to ensure an impartial investigation.
The opposition leaders’ statements came amid mounting political pressure over Hossain’s alleged remarks. The BJP, meanwhile, issued a show-cause notice to the MLA on Thursday, asking him to explain his conduct within seven days.
Both opposition leaders maintained that an apology and internal party proceedings could not replace due legal process and demanded equal treatment under the law.
