Agartala, Sept 09: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made significant political history in Tripura by securing its first Muslim Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) during recent by-polls.
In the Boxanagar by-election, BJP candidate Tafajjal Hossain achieved a historic victory, becoming the first Muslim MLA from the party in Tripura. This electoral triumph not only represents a diversification of representation within the BJP but also highlights the increasing inclusivity of politics in the region.
Tafajjal Hossain, who had previously been defeated in the last general assembly election, secured victory in the by-polls by defeating the left candidate. His electoral success shattered previous records as he garnered an impressive 34,146 votes, while the CPI(M) candidate, Mizan Hossain, received 3,909 votes after the sixth round of counting.
Reacting to this significant development, BJP State General Secretary Amit Rakshit emphasized that despite the pretense of liberalism, some political parties often use minority issues for vote bank politics. He pointed out that the minority population in the Boxanagar Assembly had been deprived of development for many years, and the CPI(M) had failed to address their needs.
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In contrast, when the BJP initiated development work in Boxanagar, the local population witnessed progress they hadn’t experienced in the last three and a half decades. Rakshit also highlighted that the CPI(M) had become increasingly irrelevant in this election.
Boxanagar Assembly Constituency has been a prominent electoral battleground since 1972, making Tafajjal Hossain’s victory even more significant.
Tafajjal Hossain’s resounding win underscores the BJP’s commitment to promoting an inclusive and pluralistic political environment. His electoral success marks an essential step towards better representation for marginalized communities and demonstrates the party’s dedication to fostering unity and understanding among diverse segments of society.
Furthermore, Tafajjal Hossain’s victory is expected to inspire increased political engagement and participation among the Muslim population in Tripura. This will contribute to a more inclusive and representative political landscape, making strides toward a more equitable and democratic future for the state.
In the aftermath of his victory, Tafajjal Hossain expressed that the election result reflects the frustration of the people who had been misled for the past 25 years. He emphasized that during the 2023 Assembly election in Boxanagar, he had been on the verge of winning, but certain factions had confused the straightforward voters of the constituency. However, the recent by-election results demonstrate that the people have seen through these tactics and responded by voting for the BJP. Hossain characterized this outcome as retribution for the last 25 years during which the CPI(M) had taken advantage of these voters. He predicted that the CPI(M) would gradually fade away from the state’s political landscape, marking a significant historical shift in the political dynamics of Tripura.
