States » EastPosted at: Nov 11 2026 10:07PM


Tripura BJP MLA faces backlash for offensive remarks on tribal community

Agartala, Nov 11 (UNI) Tripura BJP MLA Taffajal Hossein from Boxanagar faces intense backlash for an alleged offensive comment about the tribal community during an election campaign for the upcoming Urban Local Body elections on Nov 27.

A video claiming to show him making this controversial remark has circulated widely on social media, igniting strong responses from political figures and tribal groups. Additionally, a police complaint has been filed against him.
In the footage that has gone viral, Hossein supposedly makes inappropriate remarks concerning the dietary habits and way of life of tribal people while criticising the Tipra Motha Party.
His comments have been broadly condemned as disrespectful, attacking the identity, culture, and traditions of the indigenous population.
MLA Paul Dangshu from Tipra Motha vehemently denounced the remarks, calling them a display of bigotry and arrogance. He called for an immediate and unconditional public apology, asserting that electoral politics cannot excuse the disparagement of an entire community.
Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarman, the founder of Tipra Motha, also demanded an apology from the BJP legislator. He challenged the approach taken towards the Tiprasa community, remarking, "Our eating habits don’t change with who is in power." Further, he accused the MLA of making comments that could fan the flames of communal discord.
Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury described the alleged comments as racist and derogatory. He raised concerns about whether the BJP leadership stood in solidarity with indigenous communities or backed the MLA's views.
Meanwhile, Tribal Youth Federation (TYF) filed a complaint at the West Agartala Police Station, requesting a thorough investigation and suitable legal steps.
As the controversy escalates, BJP State General Secretary Bipin Debbarma expressed doubts about the alleged comments, although he mentioned he had not yet reviewed the video carefully. He emphasised that every community has unique food customs and cultural practices that warrant respect.
Debbarman also mentioned that he would raise the issue with BJP State President Abhishek Debroy and Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, and suggested that the matter will be addressed with the party's higher-ups.
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