Agartala, Oct 19 — The BJP has issued a show-cause notice to Boxanagar MLA Tofajjal Hossain for making statements considered a violation of party discipline during a recent public event. The notice, dated October 19 and signed by BJP Tripura Pradesh General Secretary Amit Rakshit, has directed Hossain to submit a written explanation within five days or face disciplinary action.
The controversy erupted after a video clip of Hossain’s speech at the closing ceremony of the MLA Cup Football Tournament on October 18 went viral on social media. In the video, Hossain praised BJP Rajya Sabha MP and state party president Rajib Bhattacharjee for sanctioning ₹50 lakh from MPLAD funds for the Boxanagar Mini Stadium. However, he also remarked that his requests for assistance were ignored by West Tripura MP Biplab Kumar Deb and former Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik.
The remarks triggered criticism from within the party, with workers and media accusing the MLA of disrespecting senior BJP leaders who played a key role in the party’s rise in Tripura. The show-cause notice described his comments as “gross indiscipline” and a “serious violation” of the party’s code of conduct, stating that such grievances should be raised internally rather than in public forums.
Reacting to the controversy, state BJP president Rajib Bhattacharjee condemned the MLA’s remarks, calling them unacceptable. “These comments violate party ethics. We do not tolerate any disrespect toward our leaders,” he said. “Biplab Kumar Deb and Pratima Bhoumik are respected figures, and any anti-party discourse will be dealt with firmly.”
While Hossain could not be reached for comment, sources close to him said his statement was unintentional and driven by excitement during the event. Hossain had earlier won the Boxanagar by-election with a record margin after the death of CPIM MLA Samsul Haque.
