Guwahati: With the Lok Sabha elections looming, a viral image depicting a member of a BJP-allied party in Assam sleeping on a pile of currency notes has stirred controversy on social media.
According to reports, the individual in question has been identified as Benjamin Basumatary, a member of the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL).
Basumatary serves as the Village Council Development Committee Chairman (VCDC) in Bhairaguri, Udalguri district. The UPPL, led by Pramod Boro, operates in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) and is in alliance with the BJP in Assam.
The viral image shows Basumatary sleeping semi-nude on a bed adorned with stacks of Rs 500 currency notes, with his body also covered with the notes. This shocking photo has embarrassed both the UPPL and the BJP.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders have called for a thorough investigation into the matter, suggesting that Basumatary may be involved in corruption. Reacting to the incident, Assam Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia stated, “Shocking and disgraceful! A viral photo depicts a #UPPL leader asleep with bundles of cash. This blatant display of corruption demands immediate action. @CMOfficeAssam, it’s time to prove the integrity of your numerous tied agencies and conduct a thorough investigation…”
Ironically, the UPPL party had publicly pledged to abstain from any corruption-related activities.
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