New Delhi: An unverified image showing Assam politician Benjamin Basumatary, seemingly asleep on a pile of currency notes, has gone viral on the social media. However, Pramod Boro-led UPPL clarified in a statement that Benjamin Basumatary had been suspended from the party on January 10, 2024.
“A photo of Benjamin Basumatry is circulating widely on social media. We want to clarify that Basumatry is no longer associated with UPPL as he was suspended from the party on 10th January, 2024, and disciplinary action was taken against him after receiving a letter from the Harisingha Block Committee, UPPL on 5th January, 2024,” Pramod Boro said in a statement.
The photograph of Benjamin Basumatary resting on stacks of currency notes gained traction on social media just days before the Lok Sabha elections.
Distancing the party from the viral image, Pramod Boro, the chief of UPPL, stated that Benjamin Basumatary should not be associated with the party and urged media outlets to refrain from linking him to UPPL.
“Additionally, the BTC Government suspended and removed him from the post of VCDC Chairman on 10th February 2024. I urge all media outlets and social media users to refrain from linking Mr. Basumatry with UPPL. His actions are solely his own responsibility, and the party is not accountable for any of his personal acts,” the party statement read.
In the unverified image, Benjamin Basumatary, identified as a Village Council Development Committee (VCDC) member of UPPL, appeared reclined on a bed wearing a traditional towel, surrounded by a heap of Rs 500 currency notes.
It is to be noted that UPPL is an ally of the BJP in Assam. While the BJP is contesting 11 seats in the Lok Sabha elections in Assam, its partners, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and UPPL, are vying for three seats collectively.