A photo capturing suspended member Benjamin Basumatary of the Pramod Boro-led United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) sleeping on a lavish bed of currency notes has sent shockwaves across social media, casting a shadow over the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Assam.
The image, which surfaced just days before the polling, depicts Basumatary surrounded by stacks of cash, sparking widespread condemnation and raising questions about the integrity of political figures.
The UPPL, in a swift response, sought to distance itself from the scandal, emphasizing that Basumatary had been ousted from the party's ranks on January 10, 2024.
Pramod Boro, the chief of UPPL, issued a statement clarifying the party's stance, stating, "Mr. Basumatary's association with UPPL ceased on January 10, 2024, following his suspension.
The party took disciplinary action against him subsequent to receiving a letter from the Harisingha Block Committee on January 5, 2024. Furthermore, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Government relieved him of his duties as VCDC Chairman on February 10, 2024."
Boro reiterated the party's commitment to transparency and integrity, asserting that UPPL stands firm against corruption. He urged media outlets and the public to refrain from associating Basumatary's actions with the party, emphasizing that they are solely his own responsibility.
The scandal has cast a shadow over the UPPL, which has been a key ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam. The BJP, contesting 11 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, has formed alliances with parties like the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and UPPL, with the latter contesting on three seats.
