The Left-sponsored nationwide strike on July 9 failed to disrupt normal life in Tripura, as markets, transport, and offices operated amid heavy rains. While trade unions claimed silent public support, the BJP dismissed it as a political gimmick. The state’s response reflected apathy toward traditional strike politics.
The nationwide strike called by ten central trade union bodies, including the CPI(M)-affiliated Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), on July 9 failed to significantly impact daily life in Tripura. Despite warnings of disruptions, life in the state capital and across districts remained largely unaffected, with markets, transportation, and most government offices functioning as usual.
The strike, aimed at protesting various central government policies, was expected to draw significant public participation. However, reality painted a different picture. Long-distance transport services operated on schedule, local public transport was partially affected but still available, and commercial activities continued in most areas. The day’s low public turnout, many said, was more a result of incessant rainfall than strike support.
In many parts of Agartala and other towns, business establishments opened late due to morning downpours. Activity resumed in the afternoon as rain intensity subsided. Government offices recorded normal attendance, although some disruption was noticed in banking services.
According to reports, several banks witnessed a dip in staff presence, as unions within the banking sector had extended their support to the strike. Insurance sector participation was also visible, and a considerable number of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) employees reportedly supported the shutdown.
CITU Tripura state secretary Shankar Prasad Datta claimed the strike received widespread silent support. “People avoided venturing outside. Transport services were partially hit. Some shops remained shut, braving adverse weather and pressure tactics. This is a clear sign of public backing,” Datta stated.
He further emphasized that around 80 percent of employees in the insurance sector supported the bandh. He also noted that disruptions in BSNL services and reduced banking operations were indicative of a successful strike, especially in the organized sector.
Solidarity to the strike also came from SKM (Samyukta Kisan Morcha) leader and former minister Pabitra Kar, who alleged attempts of sabotage. “BJP supporters tried to threaten street vendors and transport workers to break the strike. Still, people showed silent resistance and stood with the cause,” Kar claimed.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, dismissed these assertions. Party state secretary Tapas Majumder labeled the strike a “political gimmick” orchestrated by the CPI(M). “The so-called shutdown didn’t affect routine life. People stayed home because of the heavy rains, not because of the strike,” Majumder said.
He pointed out that most transport services operated, although passenger numbers were naturally low due to inclement weather. “This is a clear rejection of disruptive politics. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, people now prefer development over outdated protest mechanisms. These strikes have lost relevance,” he added.
Majumder further said that frequent strikes harm the economy and productivity. “People are fed up with these unproductive exercises. I thank the people of Tripura for choosing development over obstruction.”
Political observers noted that the impact of the strike was minimal in Tripura, as was the case in many northeastern states. Rainfall likely played a bigger role in limiting public movement than any political alignment. Nevertheless, both supporters and opponents of the strike have drawn their own narratives around its effectiveness.
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As the political tug-of-war continues, what remains clear is that the strike did not bring daily life to a halt in Tripura. Instead, it served as yet another flashpoint in the ongoing ideological battle between the Left and the BJP in the region.
