Allegedly TMP supporters attacked a group of BJP activists during the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Khowai (Tripura) Jul 27: Tension prevailed in Asharambari Constituency in Tripura today when miscreants, allegedly TIPRA Motha Party (TMP) supporters, attacked a group of BJP activists during the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to preliminary information, BJP local leaders and supporters assembled to listen to PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat programme at Taksapara under the Champahaor Police Station in Tulashikhar Block today.
BJP Mandal President Jayanta Debbarma alleged that approximately 100 unruly Tipra Motha Party (TMP) supporters disrupted the party’s event by launching an attack during the ongoing ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme.
“They damaged my vehicle and physically assaulted the owner of the house hosting the event. Several motorcycles and other vehicles were also vandalised during the attack,” Debbarma informed the media.
BJP leaders Papiya Datta, Pinaki Das Chowdhury, and Bipin Debbarma, in separate statements, strongly condemned the violence and called for stringent action against those responsible.
CPIM State secretary and LoP in State Assembly Jitendra Choudhury also condemned the clash.
General Secretary of the BJP’s state unit, Bipin Debbarma added that a team of party leaders from Agartala promptly headed to Khowai district following the incident.
| Watch Bipin Debbarma speaking to Media |
Bipin Debbarma, speaking to the media, hurled a serious allegation that unruly TMP cadres were shouting slogans saying that ‘PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat’ programme could not be held in the ADC area in Tripura.
It is obvious, such a comment like No Mann Ki Baat programme could be held in ADC area from an ally of the ruling BJP created serious dissent among the local BJP supporters. Sensing the mood, Bipin Debbarma said they have informed the Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha and State BJP president Rajib Bhattacharjee regarding the clash. He also said, a detailed report would be sent to the State Prabhari, as well. Debbarma also demanded stern action against the culprits.
The area comes under the constituency represented by BJP’s ally TIPRA Motha Party’s senior leader and Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma.
Bipin Debbarma narrated the incident saying, during the programme, a group of miscreants belonging to the TIPRA Motha Party (TMP) launched a vicious attack on the BJP activists listening to the Mann Ki Baat. In the attack seven BJP activists sustained injuries while two of them referred to the Agartala GB Hospital in critical condition.
The attack was fierce and they us with lethal weapons. They also ransacked our vehicles and bikes”, Bipin Debbarma told the media.
Quoting Bipin Debbarma, IANS reported, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha who also hold Home portfolio had a talk with local MLA and Minister Animesh Debbarma.
However, no reaction from the TIPRA Motha Party regarding the accusation of BJP for the attack was available till the report was filed. Details of the number of victims etc are yet to be ascertained.
Local BJP leaders vented anger and said, it is not for the first time that TIPRA Motha Party was accused of attacking BJP activists.
Referring to several past incidents including attack on BJP ST Morcha national president Samir Oraon in Barmura Hills area, local Janjati Morcha leaders blamed the TMP for unleashing attacks on BJP and criticized the Police for its failure to act against the perpetrators.
Top brass of BJP – both at the State-level and center – appears reluctant in taking a strong position against repeated violence of the TMP.
An angry young local BJP supporter said, “Why do we blame TMP? We need to introspect and analyze why BJP ST Morcha which was once a strong force conceded grounds to the TMP. Who did fuel the growth of the TMP after 2019 Lok Sabha elections? What prompted BJP leadership to field an outsider as an MP from the ST reserved East constituency?”
It may be noted, in 2019 Lok Sabha election, BJP’s Rebati Mohan Tripura defeated the then State Congress Chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma’s sister Maharaj Kumari Pragya Debbarma. However, situation started to change thereafter leading to weakening of the Janjati Morcha and rise of TMP.
The TMP is now threatening the BJP. (With inputs from IANS)
