Guwahati: A bizarre photograph of an Assam politician showing off money as he sleeps amid stacks of currency notes has gone viral. It’s especially significant as this is election season, with Lok Sabha elections just weeks away.
It was first mentioned that the politician in the picture was Pramod Boro, of BJP’s alliance partner United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL).
However, it was later pointed out that it was fake news as the person in the image is Benjamin Basumatry, not Boro.
Boro went on to clarify that Basumatry was suspended by the party two months ago.
“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. Additionally, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Government suspended and removed him from the post of VCDC Chairman on 10th February, 2024,” Boro said in a notice.
“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 UPPL chief added.
Basumatary said that the viral photo is 5 years old, and was taken by a friend while they were partying. He claimed that he had taken Rs 3 lakh from his sister as loan.
