Assam politician Benjamin Basumatary seen sleeping on bed of ₹500 notes, viral photo prompts backlash

A viral photo of politician Benjamin Basumatary, sleeping on a pile of ₹500 notes, has stirred controversy on social media over corruption ahead of the Lok Sabha election 2024. Basumatry was suspended by the United Peoples Party Liberal and removed from the VCDC post in January over the photograph. UPPL is a part of the BJP-led alliance in Assam.  

In the viral photo of Benjamin Basumatary, he can be seen sleeping on a pile of ₹500 notes bare chested with the notes strewn all over his body, face, and forehead. The viral image received severe backlash from the opposition saying the ruling block is "wallowing in the quagmire of corruption".

Clarifying the controversy, Benjamin Basumatary, said that the incident was five years old and it was made viral as a part of political controversy. Moreover, he claimed that he was also blackmailed by people because of the photo.

"The photo that has gone viral is five years old. It has been made viral due to political conspiracy. We will find out who has done this. I don't know who has done this," he told reporters when asked about the picture.

Explaining how he ended up getting photographed in that pose, the suspended UPPL leader said that he had taken a ₹3 lakh loan five years ago for some work of his sister. That particular night he was having a party where he posed with the borrowed money in a fun moment.

"Five years ago, I had taken a loan of ₹3 lakh for some work from my sister. That particular night, some of us were having a party and my partner clicked the photo with the money I had borrowed in a fun moment," he added.

The regional party has distanced itself from the leader and the whole controversy. In its official statement, the party said that he was suspended and removed