TMP activists attack BJP prog on eve of PM’s visit
Agartala, Sep 21: On the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tripura, the ruling BJP faced a violent attack in the Hezamara area, allegedly carried out by its junior ally, the TIPRA Motha Party (TMP) today.
Several individuals, including a journalist, sustained serious injuries and were admitted to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala for treatment.
The assault occurred at the Hezamara Community Hall, where the BJP Shimna Mandal had organised a pre-scheduled clothes distribution programme.
This is not the first such incident. On July 27, BJP activists were also reportedly attacked by TMP supporters while they were listening to Prime Minister Modi’s Mann Ki Baat broadcast, leaving several injured.
In today’s attack, ahead of PM’s state visit on Monday (September 22), senior BJP leader Mangal Debbarma sustained a serious head injury, while a reporter, Kamal Kanti Tripura covering the event was also assaulted.
The programme was meant to be attended by former Chief Minister and sitting Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb, but the violence erupted before his arrival.
The injured, including Debbarma, are undergoing treatment at the GB Pant Hospital.
Shortly after the incident, Biplab Kumar Deb visited the injured at GB Pant Hospital. He condemned the violence and instructed local leaders to file an FIR with the police.
“The local MLA has no knowledge of this attack. This appears to be the handiwork of fringe elements who don’t understand the principles of politics. The BJP has always respected its alliance partners and believes in equal treatment for all. No one gains by resorting to violence. After all, we live together in the same society,” said Deb.
“The local MLA has no knowledge of this attack. This appears to be the handiwork of fringe elements who don’t understand the principles of politics. The BJP has always respected its alliance partners and believes in equal treatment for all. No one gains by resorting to violence. After all, we live together in the same society,” said Deb.
The LS MP added that he had spoken to Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, who is currently outside the state, regarding the matter.
BJP State president Rajib Bhattacharjee strongly condemned the attack and assured legal actions against the perpetrators.
Speaking to reporters from his hospital bed, Debbarma alleged that the attack was carried out by Tipra Motha supporters.
“The programme was supposed to begin at 12:30 PM. Since I was tasked with overseeing the preparations, I reached the venue early along with a few of our workers. Suddenly, a large group surrounded us and launched an unprovoked attack,” he said.
According to him, multiple BJP activists were injured and several Tipra Motha leaders from the locality were present at the scene.
When asked about the alliance between the BJP, Tipra Motha and IPFT, Debbarma refrained from commenting but expressed shock.
“We are part of the same coalition government. Why then are Tipra Motha leaders not allowing us to hold programmes in their areas? I can only say that I was attacked and my party workers were brutally beaten in front of me,” he added.
“We are part of the same coalition government. Why then are Tipra Motha leaders not allowing us to hold programmes in their areas? I can only say that I was attacked and my party workers were brutally beaten in front of me,” he added.
Police are yet to confirm the number of attackers and an official investigation is underway.
The conflict between the BJP and the TIPRA Motha Party supporters is nothing new. With the TTAADC polls ensuing, TMP is trying desperately to establish its supremacy in the hill areas.
However, today’s attack, one day prior to the PM’s state visit to inaugurate the renovated Tripureswari Temple at Matabari, is considered by many to be a serious issue in the backdrop of July 27 attack during Mann Ki Baat.
However, in recent time as the polls in TTAADC ensuing, During the July 27 attack, TMP activists reportedly threatened BJP saying that Mann Ki Baat listening programme would not be organized in the TMP controlled TTAADC areas.
