Pradyot, LoP demand action over BJP MLA's alleged remarks on tribals

A row over alleged remarks by Boxanagar BJP MLA Tafajjal Hossain about Tripura's indigenous communities widened on Wednesday, November 11, as TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma demanded an unconditional public apology and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury called for legal action.

The controversy centres on a video clip that has been circulating on social media. According to Tripura Times, the remarks were allegedly made at an election campaign meeting and concern the food habits and cultural identity of the state's tribal people. The clip is also said to contain criticism of the CPI(M) and TIPRA Motha. NEInsider has not independently verified the video, and a response from Hossain to the criticism had not been reported at the time of publishing.

Pradyot: food habits are part of identity

In a video message, Pradyot Kishore Debbarma said the matter went beyond party politics and touched the dignity and heritage of the state's tribal population. He argued that a community's food is tied to its history and way of life and that no one has the right to ridicule an entire people over it.

The former TIPRA Motha chief said that although he has stepped back from electoral politics, he would keep speaking up whenever the rights and honour of indigenous people were challenged. He asked whether such language would be accepted within the MLA's own party, and urged tribal people not to stay silent when their customs are mocked.

LoP wants the law applied equally

Jitendra Chaudhury, who is also the CPI(M) state secretary, said comments that demean any community were unbecoming of a legislator who has taken an oath under the Constitution. He said Tripura's social fabric rests on respect between tribal and non-tribal people and between different languages and faiths.

Both leaders drew a comparison with the case of Delhi-based content creator Amir Shokeen, who was arrested and brought to Agartala over a video containing racial remarks about people from Tripura and the North East. Chaudhury said police had acted in that case even after Shokeen apologised, and that the same standard should apply to an elected representative. He said political position should not bring preferential treatment.

Chaudhury urged Chief Minister Manik Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, to have the matter examined and to take action under the law if wrongdoing is established. He also said he hoped BJP leaders would distance themselves from the remarks.

Who is Tafajjal Hossain

Hossain won the Boxanagar seat in Sepahijala district for the BJP in the September 2023 bypoll, becoming the party's first Muslim MLA in Tripura. He has drawn attention for outspoken comments before; in October 2025 the state BJP issued him a show-cause notice over public criticism of senior party leaders.

The row comes as parties campaign for upcoming civic body elections in the state. NEInsider will update this story if Hossain or the BJP responds, or if a police complaint is filed.