By Firstdespatch Desk Aug 20, 2023
Agartala, Aug 20 (FD) A Tipra Motha party leader, Abu Khayer Miah, who contested the previous Tripura assembly elections on the party's ticket, has been suspended for advocating votes in favour of the BJP prior to the upcoming September 5 by-elections in the northeastern state. Miah, who contested from the Boxanagar assembly constituency as a Tipra Motha candidate in the last elections, was suspended for six months due to his breach of party discipline.
A viral video circulated on social media purportedly showed Miah, the Tipra Motha leader in Sepahijala district, urging support for the ruling BJP in the upcoming by-election for the Boxanagar seat.
In response, the Tipra Citizens' Forum, a wing of the party, called for disciplinary action against Miah, leading to his suspension.
Party spokesperson Animesh Debbarma stated that the party leadership, including President BK Hrangkhawl, had taken serious note of the incident. Miah's suspension also includes a directive not to participate in the party's election-related activities during the by-elections.
The regional party has not fielded candidates for the by-polls, and a meeting is scheduled for August 22 to determine which candidates the party will endorse.
The upcoming by-elections are set to see the BJP contend with the CPI (M), as the Tipra Motha and the Congress have opted not to participate. The Boxanagar by-election was necessitated by the passing of CPI (M) MLA Samsul Haque, while Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik's resignation as Dhanpur MLA led to the by-election for that seat.
The Left Front has nominated Kaushik Chanda and Mijan Husain, while the BJP has put forward Taffajal Hussain and Bindu Debnath for the Boxanagar and Dhanpur constituencies, respectively. FD SB