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A viral photo of Assam politician Benjamin Basumatary sleeping on a pile of ₹500 notes has ignited a massive controversy over corruption just ahead of the Lok Sabha election 2024. Basumatary, a suspended member of the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), is depicted in the viral image bare-chested, with ₹500 notes scattered across his body, face, and forehead.
Reacting swiftly to the viral photo, Pramod Boro, the president of UPPL, clarified that Basumatary was no longer associated with the party, having been suspended on January 10 of the current year. Boro emphasized that disciplinary action had been taken against Basumatary, leading to his removal from the post of the VCDC chairman. He further urged media outlets and social media users not to link Basumatary with UPPL, asserting that his actions were his personal responsibility, not that of the party.
In response to the controversy, Benjamin Basumatary admitted that the photo was indeed of him but clarified that it was taken five years ago at a party by his friends. He explained that the cash in the photo belonged to his sister. Pramod Boro, sharing Basumatary’s response on social media, denounced the photo as maliciously spread, dissociating it from UPPL or the BTC Government.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab, via its Twitter handle, shared the viral photo, condemning the lack of action by investigative agencies in Assam. The tweet criticized the apparent impunity enjoyed by members of the BJP’s alliance in Assam, contrasting it with the incarceration of those responsible for improving government schools and hospitals.
Also Read: AAP Alleges BJP Offered Rs 20-25 Crores to MLAs in Punjab to Switch Loyalties
