Assam: Image Of Politician Sleeping With Cash Sparks Row, BJP Ally Says 'Party Not Responsible'

As per reports, the Assamese politician Benjamin Basumatary is a suspended member of the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), BJP’s ally in Assam. The party later clarified that the photo in question was taken five years ago by Basumatary’s friends while they were partying and the cash in the photo was of Benjamin Basumatary’s sister.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 27 March 2024 10:39 pm

Assamese politician Benjamin Basumatary's image of sleeping on a pile of notes made rounds on Internet | Photo: X/@Krasnyyyyy

A photo depicting an Assamese politician, Benjamin Basumatary, sleeping on a pile of notes has sparked a row on Wednesday. The viral photo that made rounds on social media showed Basumatary lying on a bed with Rs 500 notes strewn around him.

As per reports, Basumatary is a suspended member of United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), BJP’s ally in Assam.

This picture of a politician laying on stacks of cash says more about the people who vote for him than the politician.#Assam pic.twitter.com/rQ8ZddDrJM
— Aashish ???? (@Krasnyyyyy_) March 27, 2024

How did the party react?

As situation escalated following circulation of the controversial image, the UPPL promptly clarified and distanced itself from Basumatary.

According to Pramod Boro, the President of the UPPL, 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.

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

However, the party also clarified that the photo in question was taken five years ago by Basumatary’s friends while they were partying and the cash in the photo was of Benjamin Basumatary’s sister.