In a strongly worded letter to Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, senior CPI(M) leader and former MP Jitendra Chaudhury has urged the state government to immediately stop what he called systematic targeted attacks on opposition political workers, including CPI(M) cadres, across various districts. The letter comes amid rising political tension ahead of upcoming local body polls, with the Left Front accusing the ruling BJP of using administrative machinery and police forces to suppress dissent and instil fear among opposition supporters.
Allegations of Violence and Intimidation
Jitendra Chaudhury, who is also the state secretary of CPI(M), alleged that since the 2018 assembly election, there has been a consistent pattern of violence against Left activists in rural Tripura. In his letter to CM Saha, a copy of which has been shared with media houses, Chaudhury said:
“Despite repeated appeals and memorandums submitted to the government and administration to ensure democratic space for opposition, there has been no respite from the violence unleashed by ruling party goons. Instead, attacks have intensified with local police remaining silent spectators.”
He cited specific incidents from Sepahijala, Khowai, South Tripura and West Tripura districts where CPI(M) local committee offices were allegedly ransacked, flags and festoons removed, and leaders prevented from meeting villagers. According to him, such violence violates constitutional rights and damages the democratic fabric of Tripura.
Key Alleged Incidents Highlighted by CPI(M)
| Date | District | Incident Description | Alleged Perpetrators | Action Taken by Police |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 25 | Sepahijala | Attack on CPI(M) meeting at Bishramganj | BJP supporters | No FIR registered |
| June 28 | Khowai | Party office vandalised in Teliamura | BJP supporters | No arrests made |
| June 30 | South Tripura | Women cadre threatened during outreach programme | Local BJP youth group | Complaint ignored |
| July 2 | West Tripura | CPI(M) flags removed in Khayerpur | BJP workers | No police action |
(Source: CPI(M) State Committee communication to media)
CPI(M)’s Core Demands to the Chief Minister
The letter laid out specific demands for restoring democratic normalcy:
- Immediate intervention by CM to instruct police for impartial action.
- Strict legal action against those responsible for political violence.
- Ensuring free political activity for opposition parties, including meetings and rallies.
- Protection to women activists, who are facing targeted threats in villages.
- Rebuilding damaged party offices and compensating affected workers.
Chaudhury wrote that if such attacks continued unabated, CPI(M) would launch statewide democratic protests to uphold constitutional rights and political dignity of the people.
Political Context and Recent Developments
The allegations come at a time when Tripura is witnessing heightened political activity before the panchayat polls later this year. The CPI(M), which ruled Tripura for 25 years until its defeat in 2018, has been trying to regain its grassroots connect amid strong BJP organisational expansion. Meanwhile, BJP leaders have consistently denied allegations of orchestrated violence, claiming such incidents are local disputes projected as political attacks.
In multiple statements earlier this year, CM Manik Saha assured that law and order will be maintained across the state and “no one will be allowed to take law in their own hands irrespective of political identity”.
Political Violence Trends Reported by CPI(M) (Jan-Jun 2025)
| Month | Number of Incidents | Districts Affected (Major) | Type of Incident |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9 | Khowai, Sepahijala | Office ransack, threats |
| February | 7 | West Tripura, Gomati | Flags removal, intimidation |
| March | 12 | Sepahijala, North Tripura | Physical assault, stone pelting |
| April | 8 | South Tripura, Dhalai | Office vandalism, threats |
| May | 10 | Khowai, West Tripura | Meeting disruption, scuffles |
| June | 11 | Sepahijala, South Tripura | Attack on outreach, intimidation |
(Data compiled from CPI(M) internal reports shared with media)
BJP’s Response to the Allegations
BJP state spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharya dismissed CPI(M)’s accusations as “political melodrama to gain sympathy ahead of polls”. He said:
“Tripura has witnessed massive development under BJP rule. CPI(M) is losing ground and creating these fabricated narratives to stay relevant. The Chief Minister believes in peaceful democratic functioning, and police act neutrally.”
However, CPI(M) argues that mere statements are not enough and sought visible administrative actions to protect opposition workers.
Civil Society Reaction and Ground Sentiment
Several civil society groups, including Tripura Human Rights Forum, have expressed concern over continuing reports of violence. The Forum recently demanded a judicial probe into incidents of political attacks in Khowai and Sepahijala districts.
A retired Tripura University political science professor, preferring anonymity, observed:
“The political culture in Tripura has historically been confrontational. But targeted violence against opponents weakens democracy. Both ruling and opposition must ensure political competition remains peaceful.”
National Left Leadership Extends Support
The CPI(M) Polit Bureau in New Delhi has taken cognisance of these developments. Senior leader Sitaram Yechury, during his recent Kerala visit, condemned the “politics of intimidation” in Tripura and called upon democratic forces nationwide to stand in solidarity with Tripura’s Left workers.
Conclusion
The letter from Jitendra Chaudhury signals escalating political bitterness as Tripura gears up for local elections. While the ruling BJP appears confident of its rural and tribal outreach initiatives, CPI(M) is determined to counter what it calls an environment of fear and intimidation with mass mobilisation. Political observers say how the state administration responds to these allegations in coming weeks will impact the poll atmosphere and democratic discourse in the Northeastern state.
Disclaimer: This news report is based on statements issued by CPI(M) and responses from BJP leaders. The data tables are compiled from party communications and public statements. News portal readers are advised to await official administrative updates for further clarity.
