Leaders of BJP and CPIM got tangled in verbal dual after party office of the former was set on fire at Khowai in Tripura.
Unidentified miscreants set BJP Khowai Mandal Committee party office ablaze at the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. However, Fire service personnel reached the spot timely and doused the flame. BJP leaders alleged CPIM supporters set the office on fire. Local BJP unit also lodged an FIR and demanded proper investigation. Later, in a press meet, CPIM leaders refuted the charge.
Sources said, security personnel during night patrolling in Khowai town observed flames at the front side of the Mandal Committee office and they intimidated local Police. Accordingly, fire tenders rushed to the spot. The front side of the office and several electrical and electronic gadgets including one AC machine were damaged in the fire.
BJP local leaders accused CPIM activists of being involved in the incident and demanded proper investigation. Meanwhile, State BJP also condemned the incident and alleged that CPIM goons had set the Mandal office ablaze, but they ran away after local people raised an alarm and came forward.
In a press statement, State BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee said, “CPIM in Tripura has lost connection with masses, yet the party is not trying to rein in its goons. Once, Khowai district was a red fort of CPIM – however, they are fast losing grounds in the district. CPIM is now trying to create panic and disturbance – even during a pandemic situation. BJP is strongly opposing such kind of activities. We are requesting Police to take stern action against the perpetrators”.
Reacting on accusation of BJP, local CPIM leaders of Khowai rubbished the allegation. In a press conference in Khowai, CPIM leaders vehemently denied the allegation and said CPIM party does not subscribe to violence.
“Since after last Assembly polls, ruling unleashed violence and many CPIM party offices were demolished or burnt down. Several party workers were forced to flee away due to attacks by ruling party supporters”.
CPIM secretary of Khowai sub-division committee, Padma Kumar Debbarma hinted at conflicts among ruling party activists and opined, “Negotiation activities have become a curse for the saffron party”.
