A political programme in Kalibazar turned tense on Sunday after a black-flag protest greeted former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, with the CPIM later alleging that the protest involved an attempt to disrupt its youth conference and target the former chief minister.
Key Takeaways:
- BJP workers and supporters staged a black-flag protest during Manik Sarkar’s visit to Kalibazar for a DYFI conference.
- CPIM MLA Nayan Sarkar alleged an attempt to attack and disrupt the Left programme, including stone-throwing at Sarkar’s vehicle.
- Manik Sarkar questioned the law-and-order situation and the police response during the incident.
Tension gripped Kalibazar under the Bamutia Assembly constituency on Sunday when former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar arrived to attend a DYFI conference at the CPIM party office. A section of BJP workers and supporters reportedly gathered with black flags and allegedly raised slogans targeting Sarkar.
The protest briefly disrupted the former chief minister’s movement. Police personnel remained deployed at the spot as the demonstration continued. The situation later came under control, allowing the DYFI conference to proceed.
The Left, however, alleged that the incident involved more than a political protest. CPIM leaders claimed that the protesters attempted to disrupt the programme and target Sarkar’s convoy.
Attempt to Disrupt DYFI Conference: CPIM
Local CPIM MLA Nayan Sarkar described the incident as an alleged attempt to attack and disrupt the Left programme rather than an accident.
According to Nayan Sarkar, a section of BJP supporters arrived after learning that young people were attending the conference. He alleged that some individuals were brought to the spot to create a disturbance and prevent the programme from proceeding smoothly.
The MLA further claimed that the protesters used slogans associated with the BJP’s youth wing. He said the incident appeared aimed at creating trouble around the CPIM’s youth programme.
Nayan Sarkar also said he saw the BJP mandal president at the location. He alleged that former BJP MLA Krishnadhan Das was also present with the protesters.
Questioning the reason for opposing the programme, the CPIM MLA said India is a democratic country and that the Left conducts organisational programmes throughout the year through democratic means.
Stone-Throwing Allegation
Nayan Sarkar said the protesters may have learned beforehand that Manik Sarkar would attend the conference. He alleged that around 15 to 20 youths, along with some other people, were brought to the location and positioned there.
He claimed that the protesters raised slogans targeting the former chief minister and attempted to create a situation that could affect him.
The CPIM MLA alleged that a stone was thrown at Manik Sarkar’s vehicle from behind when the former chief minister arrived at the venue.
Nayan Sarkar said Left youth workers were prepared to deal with the situation. He also credited the police with playing an important role in controlling the situation. According to him, police personnel intervened and moved the protesters away from the area.
Manik Sarkar Questions Law and Order
Manik Sarkar also alleged that supporters of the ruling party had attempted to disrupt the DYFI conference. He said the programme could not be stopped simply through such opposition.
Despite the disruption, the conference was held as scheduled. Sarkar also interacted with party workers who had gathered for the event.
The former chief minister said such incidents were not new during Left programmes. He alleged that Left supporters faced attacks while organising party activities in different parts of Tripura.
Manik Sarkar subsequently raised questions over the state’s law-and-order situation and the police response to the incident.
Rose Valley Issue Enters Political Debate
The protest also brought the Rose Valley financial scam issue into the political discussion surrounding the incident.
A section of local residents alleged that the demonstration against Manik Sarkar was linked to the Rose Valley issue. The claim was cited by those residents as one of the reasons behind the protest.
At the same time, another section of local residents questioned why the incumbent BJP-led government had not taken decisive action against people allegedly connected with the Rose Valley chit-fund case.
The allegations from different sides added another dimension to the political confrontation in Kalibazar.
Situation Returns to Normal
The black-flag demonstration and slogans around Manik Sarkar’s visit kept the area tense for some time. Police intervention helped bring the situation under control.
The DYFI conference ultimately continued despite the disruption. Manik Sarkar also met party workers during his visit before the situation gradually returned to normal.
The incident has drawn attention to political tensions surrounding Left programmes in Tripura, with the CPIM alleging an attempt to obstruct its organisational activities and question marks being raised over the handling of the protest.
