📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Binamra Deb
Politics
Tripura BJP MLA’s comment on tribal diet triggers protest, ally seeks apology
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 13 Nov 2026, 02:02 AM
👁 11
A Tripura BJP legislator’s remarks about tribal food habits have sparked criticism, with a coalition partner demanding a public apology.
A member of the Tripura Legislative Assembly belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party recently made remarks describing the dietary practices of tribal communities in the state. The comments, which were reported in local media, were perceived as insensitive and sparked immediate backlash from tribal leaders and civil society groups.
Several tribal organisations condemned the statement, calling it derogatory and demanding that the MLA retract his words. The BJP’s regional ally, which shares power in the state government, publicly urged the legislator to apologise, saying the remarks undermined the dignity of tribal peoples.
The BJP MLA has not issued a formal apology yet, but the party’s state spokesperson said the comments were taken out of context and that the legislator would address the concerns in due course. The spokesperson also emphasized the party’s commitment to tribal welfare.
The incident highlights the delicate nature of tribal issues in Tripura, where indigenous communities form a significant portion of the electorate and cultural sensitivities often influence political discourse.
Several tribal organisations condemned the statement, calling it derogatory and demanding that the MLA retract his words. The BJP’s regional ally, which shares power in the state government, publicly urged the legislator to apologise, saying the remarks undermined the dignity of tribal peoples.
The BJP MLA has not issued a formal apology yet, but the party’s state spokesperson said the comments were taken out of context and that the legislator would address the concerns in due course. The spokesperson also emphasized the party’s commitment to tribal welfare.
The incident highlights the delicate nature of tribal issues in Tripura, where indigenous communities form a significant portion of the electorate and cultural sensitivities often influence political discourse.