Assam politician seen sleeping on pile of Rs 500 notes in viral pic

Assam politician seen sleeping on pile of Rs 500 notes in viral pic

A photograph of Assam politician Benjamin Basumatary sleeping on a pile of Rs 500 banknotes has sparked a row on social media ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. Basumatary is accused in a massive corruption case in connection with the Prime Minister’s housing scheme and the rural jobs scheme, NDTV reported.

A suspended member of the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), BJP’s ally in Assam, he was seen bare-chested and covered in Rs 500 notes in a photograph that is being widely circulated online.

The UPPL rushed to distance itself from Basumatary once the photograph surfaced online. Pramod Boro, the president of the party, said that Benjamin Basumatary is no longer associated with the UPPL, having been suspended in January this year. He was also removed from his post as the chairman of the Village Council Development Committee in February, Boro said.

“A photo of Benjamin Basumatry is circulating widely on social media. We want to clarify that Mr. 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,” he posted on X.

“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,” added the president of the UPPL.

The party further clarified that Basumatary’s viral photograph was taken five years ago at a party and the cash belonged to his sister. “The photo was taken five years ago by Mr Basumatary’s friends while they were partying and he was blackmailed with this photo thereafter. The cash in the photo was of Benjamin Basumatary’s sister,” Boro tweeted.