Assam: UPPL distances itself from Benjamin Basumatary after photo controversy
KOKRAJHAR: Benjamin Basumatary, who has been the talk of the town in Assam after a photo showing him asleep on a pile of money got widely circulated on social media, was previously relieved of his positions by the UPPL-led Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) government in Assam back in February this year.
UPPL party chief and BTC chief executive member (CEM) Pramod Boro clarified this, stating that Basumatary was ousted from his chairmanship of Bhairaguri VCDC in Udalguri district in February and had his UPPL party membership revoked in January.
Boro stressed that Basumatary no longer has any affiliation with the UPPL party.
In a formal statement, Pramod Boro addressed the situation, saying, “A photo of Benjamin Basumatary is circulating widely on social media. We want to clarify that Mr. Basumatary is no longer associated with UPPL as he was suspended from the party on 10th January 2024, and disciplinary action was taken against him following a letter from the Harisingha Block Committee, UPPL, on 5th January 2024. Furthermore, the BTC government suspended and removed him from the post of VCDC chairman on 10th February 2024.”
The BTC CEM also provided a copy of a notification dated January 5 this year, issued by the UPPL party, announcing the revocation of Basumatary’s primary membership.
Also read: Assam: UPPL member sleeps on stacks of Rs 500 notes, viral picture courts controversy
Moreover, another notification from the Assam panchayat and rural development department, dated February 10 this year, highlighted Basumatary's removal from his post due to involvement in “immoral and unethical activities”.
“...such behavior is inappropriate for a public representative and sends negative signals to the general public,” the notification emphasized.
“In light of the above, Sri Benjamin Basumatary, chairman of Bhairaguri VDC under 36 No Harishinga (ST) BTC constituency, is hereby relieved from his position as chairman of the said VCDC with immediate effect,” it further announced.
The circulation of Basumatary’s viral photo drew widespread criticism during the election season.
The UPPL, initially formed in response to allegations of corruption against Hagrama Mohilary's Bodoland People's Front (BPF), is now facing its own corruption accusations.
It is worth noting that UPPL is an ally of the ruling BJP in Assam.
Pramod Boro urged media outlets and social media users to refrain from linking Basumatary with UPPL, asserting that his actions are his own responsibility and the party bears no accountability for his personal conduct.