Photo of Assam politician sleeping on pile of cash stirs row, BJP ally clarifies

ASSAM, MAR 27 : A photo showing an Assamese politician, Benjamin Basumatary, sleeping on a pile of notes has stirred a controversy. Basumatary is a suspended member of United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), BJP’s ally in Assam.

The viral photo shows Basumatary, with his chest bare, lying on a bed, with Rs 500 notes strewn around him. India Today could not independently verify the authenticity of the photo.

As controversy erupted over the viral photo, the UPPL was quick to clarify and distance itself from Basumatary.

Pramod Boro, President of the United People’s Party Liberal, said that Basumatry is no longer associated with the party as he was suspended from the party on January 10, 2024.

“Disciplinary action was taken against him (Basumatry) after receiving a letter from the Harisingha Block Committee, UPPL on January 5, 2024,” Boro said.

He added that the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) had suspended and removed Basumatary from the post of VCDC Chairman on February 10, 2024.

The party further clarifies that the photo in question was taken five years ago by Basumatary’s friends while they were partying. UPPL said Basumatary was “blackmailed” with this photo, adding that “the cash in the photo was of Benjamin Basumatary’s sister”.

“Basumatary’s actions are solely his own responsibility, and the party is not accountable for any of his personal acts,” the UPPL said.

-PTI