CPIM in Tripura’s Kailashahar stage massive protest against the vandalism of former Deputy CM Baidyanath Majumdar’s statue which was replaced with Lord Ram’s idol. Read about the rally, speeches, and demands.
Agartala/Kailashahar, April 18 : Tensions flared in Kailashahar, Tripura, as the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPIM] led a massive protest march on Friday, condemning the vandalism of a statue honoring the late Baidyanath Majumdar, former Deputy Chief Minister of Tripura and later a statue of Lord Ram was installed there.
The statue, located at Shrirampur Tri-Junction, was allegedly demolished in 2018 following a change in state government and replaced on April 11, 2025, with a statue of Lord Ram Chandra.
The act, attributed to supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), sparked outrage among Left supporters, culminating in a rally and public gathering.
A show of solidarity
The protest, organized by the CPIM Kailashahar Subdivision Committee, saw a good turnout of party workers and supporters.
The march began at the site of the desecrated statue and roamed through the town’s major streets, concluding at the old motor stand with a public meeting.
Key leaders, including CPIM Politburo member and Leader of Opposition Jiten Choudhury, former Minister Tapan Chakraborty, CPIM Subdivision Secretary Anjan Roy, Bishwarup Goswami, and Inus Miya Khadim, addressed the crowd, condemning the act as a deliberate attempt to erase Baidyanath Majumdar’s legacy.
CPIM leader’s scathing critique
Former Minister Tapan Chakraborty, a prominent CPIM leader, lambasted the BJP-led state government, accusing it of orchestrating the statue’s destruction.
“Baidyanath Majumdar was a true people’s leader who transformed Kailashahar and Tripura through his developmental works.
His contributions in infrastructure, education, and healthcare remain scripted in public memory,” Chakraborty said.
He labeled the vandals as “cowards” and criticized the BJP for resorting to “petty politics” by demolishing statues.
Tapan Chakraborty demanded that the statue of Lord Ram be respectfully relocated to a suitable site and that Majumdar’s statue be reinstalled on its original pedestal.
“This is not just an attack on a statue but an insult to the values Majumdar stood for – service, struggle, and solidarity with the poor,” he added.
Jiten Choudhury’s Fiery Address
Leader of Opposition Jiten Choudhury delivered a blistering speech, accusing BJP supporters of vandalizing Majumdar’s statue in 2018 and insulting Lord Ram by installing his statue at the site.
“This is a shameful act that disrespects both a revered leader and a deity,” he said.
Choudhury also addressed broader political issues, criticizing the BJP-led central government’s proposed amendments to the Waqf Act.
He noted that 73 legal challenges have been filed against the amendment, with the Supreme Court beginning hearings on April 16, 2025.
Choudhury urged the government to involve Muslim community leaders in drafting Waqf-related laws, rather than imposing unilateral changes.
“Waqf properties belong to the Muslim community. Form a committee of their educated and respected members to guide the process,” he said, accusing the BJP of exploiting its parliamentary majority to push contentious legislation.
Baidyanath Majumdar: A legacy under ‘attack’
Baidyanath Majumdar, a towering figure in Tripura’s political history, is known for his contributions to the state’s development, Kailashahar party sources said.
Hailing from Kailashahar, he rose to prominence as a state leader. Majumdar’s victories in the Chandipur constituency were attributed to his integrity and commitment, never relying on “black money or false promises,” as Jiten Choudhury emphasized.
The vandalism of his statue in 2018, shortly after the BJP assumed power in Tripura, was seen as an attempt to erase his legacy, the CPIM Politburo member said.
The recent installation of Lord Ram’s statue at the same site has reignited public anger, with Left leaders alleging a pattern of cultural and political suppression by the ruling party.
A call for justice
The rally concluded with a resounding call for justice. Speakers, including Bishwarup Goswami and Inus Miya Khadim, reiterated the demand for restoring Majumdar’s statue and ensuring respect for all religious symbols. The CPIM vowed to continue its agitation until the government addresses the issue.
