BJP issues show-cause notice to Tripura MLA over tribal food remarks
Synopsis
A viral video of BJP MLA Tafajjal Hossain allegedly mocking the tribal community's food habits has drawn a formal show-cause notice from his own party, complaints from tribal organisations, and a demand for apology from the Tipra Motha chief — testing the BJP's ruling coalition in Tripura at a politically delicate moment.
Key Takeaways
Tripura BJP issued a show-cause notice to MLA Tafajjal Hossain on 12 November 2026 over alleged derogatory remarks about the tribal community's food habits.
Hossain has seven days to submit a written explanation; failure to respond satisfactorily will trigger disciplinary action under party rules.
The notice was approved by State BJP President Abhishek Debroy and issued by Disciplinary Committee Convener Tapas Bhattacharjee .
Chief Minister Manik Saha said the law would take its own course and confirmed the matter had been discussed with the state party chief.
Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma and Opposition CPI-M leader Jitendra Chaudhury demanded action; police complaints have been filed across Agartala .
This is Hossain's second show-cause notice from the BJP — the first came in October last year over remarks against former CM Biplab Kumar Deb .
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tripura on Thursday, 12 November 2026, served a formal show-cause notice to party legislator Tafajjal Hossain over alleged derogatory remarks about the food habits and lifestyle of the state's tribal communities. The notice, issued by the Tripura BJP Disciplinary Committee, gives Hossain seven days to submit a written explanation, failing which disciplinary action will be initiated under party rules.
What the Notice Says
Disciplinary Committee Convener Tapas Bhattacharjee stated in the notice that a video — which recently went viral on social media — had been brought to the attention of the state party leadership. 'In the video, Hossain was allegedly heard making objectionable and derogatory remarks about the food habits and daily lifestyle of the state's tribal communities,' the notice read.
The committee noted that the content and manner of presentation in the video had 'caused widespread resentment and concern among members of the tribal community and various other sections of society.' It further stated that maintaining communal harmony in Tripura's diverse social and cultural environment was 'a collective responsibility of every public representative.'
The notice, issued with the approval of State BJP President Abhishek Debroy, also flagged what it described as speculative statements made by the MLA invoking the names of incumbent Chief Minister Manik Saha and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, saying such remarks had triggered adverse public reactions.
How the Controversy Erupted
The row began on Tuesday when a video purportedly showing Hossain making objectionable comments about pig and pork — a staple and culturally significant food among tribal communities across the Northeast — circulated widely on social media. The remarks were allegedly made at Sonamura in Sepahijala district.
Hossain, 52, was first elected to the Tripura Legislative Assembly from the Boxanagar constituency in Sepahijala district in the 2023 Assembly elections. By Wednesday, he had posted a video message on social media expressing regret and appealing for peace and communal harmony.
Notably, this is not the first time Hossain has faced internal party action. The BJP had issued him a show-cause notice in October last year for making adverse comments against former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and former Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik.
What the Chief Minister and Opposition Said
Chief Minister Manik Saha, speaking to the media on Thursday, said, 'MLA Tafajjal Hossain has already expressed regret over his remarks. The matter should be looked at from this perspective. However, such remarks should not be made.' Saha confirmed he had already discussed the matter with State BJP President Debroy and that it was under active consideration. He added that 'the law would take its own course.'
Several tribal organisations affiliated with the BJP's ally, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), as well as the Opposition Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI-M], have lodged complaints at multiple police stations in Agartala, seeking legal action against Hossain.
TMP founder and supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma demanded a formal apology from the legislator. State CPI-M Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury urged the state government to take appropriate action against the MLA.
The Significance of Pork in Northeast India
Pork is among the most preferred meats across the eight Northeastern states, with the annual regional pork trade estimated at between ₹8,000 crore and ₹10,000 crore. Assam is the largest supplier of pork in the region. Non-tribals across the region also consume pork. The remarks, therefore, touched a cultural nerve that extends well beyond one community.
What Happens Next
Hossain must submit his written explanation to the BJP's state headquarters within seven days of receiving the notice. The party has warned that a failure to provide a satisfactory response within that period will result in disciplinary action under party rules. With tribal organisations and Opposition parties pressing for a police case, the matter is likely to remain politically sensitive in the run-up to any future electoral cycle in the state.
Point of View
A key ally in Tripura, draws its base from the very communities the MLA allegedly insulted, and any perception of impunity could strain that alliance. That Hossain is now facing his second internal notice in just over a year raises a broader question about candidate screening and accountability within the state unit. The fact that the notice also flags his invocation of senior leaders' names signals the party is as worried about internal indiscipline as it is about communal optics. With tribal organisations and the Opposition filing police complaints, the political pressure on the state government to act beyond a party reprimand will only grow.
NationPress
13 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did BJP MLA Tafajjal Hossain allegedly say about the tribal community?
A video that went viral on social media on Tuesday purportedly shows Hossain making objectionable and derogatory remarks about the food habits and daily lifestyle of Tripura's tribal communities, specifically relating to pig and pork — a staple and culturally significant food in the Northeast. Hossain later expressed regret and appealed for communal harmony.
What action has the Tripura BJP taken against Hossain?
The Tripura BJP's Disciplinary Committee served Hossain a formal show-cause notice on 12 November 2026, directing him to submit a written explanation within seven days. If his response is deemed unsatisfactory or if he fails to respond, the party has warned it will initiate disciplinary action under its rules.
What has Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said about the controversy?
Chief Minister Manik Saha told the media that the law would take its own course and that the party was examining the matter. He confirmed he had discussed the issue with State BJP President Abhishek Debroy, and noted that while Hossain had already expressed regret, 'such remarks should not be made.'
Who else has demanded action against the MLA?
Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma demanded a formal apology, and CPI-M state secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury urged the government to act. Tribal organisations affiliated with the Tipra Motha Party and the CPI-M have filed police complaints at multiple stations in Agartala seeking legal action.
Has Hossain faced party action before?
Yes. The BJP served Hossain a show-cause notice in October last year after he made adverse comments about former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and former Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik. The current notice is the second such disciplinary action against him from his own party.
