After the three-tier Panchayat poll results in Tripura were declared on August 12 last, it was time for oath-taking ceremony on Monday.
However, serious rifts with in the ruling party, BJP, marred the proceedings at the West Ganki Panchayat under Khowai District and a fierce confrontation between two groups of BJP at the Veluarchar in the Boxanagar under Sepahijala district on Monday.
Internal conflicts between two groups of the saffron party over the selection of the Panchayat Pradhan led to the postponement of the oath-taking ceremony at West Ganki Panchayat today.
The dispute, primarily centered around the key positions of Pradhan and Upa-Pradhan, has revealed deep divisions within the party ranks.
Attempts by senior Mandal leaders, including Mandal president Subrata Majumder and outgoing Panchayat Samiti Vice-Chairman Tapas Kanti Das, to mediate between the warring factions were unsuccessful.
As all the attempts fail, the BDO officially announced the cancellation of the oath-taking and election proceedings for the day, stating that the ceremony would be rescheduled for Thursday.
Similar disagreement over the appointment in key positions between two warring factions of the ruling party took an ugly turn at the Veluarchar in Boxanagar but after oath taking today.
As scheduled, The oath-taking for elected members from nine Panchayats—Rahimpur, Putia, Veluarchar, Manikyanagar, Nayanjola, Durgapur, Aralia, Maynama, and Kulubari—was conducted on Tuesday.
However, a serious rifts emerged between two groups over the selection of the Pradhan and Upa-Pradhan for the 9-member Veluarchar Panchayat.
Boxanagar mandal vice-president Barunkanti Laskar wanted his sister-in-law to be appointed as Pradhan, while Anil Das, the previous term’s Pradhan, was also vying to retain the position.
However, as per the party’s decision, Mani Barman was appointed as Pradhan this time, with Anil Das being chosen as Upa-Pradhan.
Shortly after the oath-taking, a clash broke out between the two factions, heightening the tension. In the ensuing violence, a woman, Lakshmi Deb, and her nephew, Subhash Deb, sustained injuries.
In protest, Barunkanti Laskar and his supporters staged a roadblock and burned tires. They also expressed their discontent with the local MLA by burning his effigy.
Despite the presence of security personnel, situation became volatile in the area as the rival group was reportedly planning to retaliate.
The Superintendent of Police, Sepahijala, visited the scene and engaged with the protestors.
A series of talks with security officials and party leaders were held. Later, the protestors eventually lifted the roadblock after receiving assurances that action would be taken against those involved in the attack.
Laskar’s supporters were up against the local MLA, some local residents blamed Barunkanti Laskar for the entire incident, accusing him of pursuing his own political interests.
Both West Ganki and Veluarchar witnessed resentment and fierce resistance against the official nominees for the Pradhan and Upa Pradhan post.
(Tripura, Tripura News)
