Political tension erupts in Khowai, Tripura, after the BJP’s Mandal office was allegedly set on fire. Both BJP and CPM trade accusations over arson and vandalism, prompting police investigation and heightened security across the politically sensitive district.
Political tension has gripped Khowai district as incidents of alleged arson, vandalism, and heated confrontations have intensified between rival political camps, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) — CPM. The situation reached a boiling point after the BJP’s Khowai Mandal office was reportedly set on fire late Tuesday night, triggering a wave of protests and counter-allegations that have deepened the ongoing political rift in the region.
According to reports, flames were seen emerging from the BJP Mandal office in the heart of Khowai town around midnight. Locals immediately alerted party members and fire service officials, who rushed to the site and managed to control the blaze after significant damage had already been done to furniture, party materials, and documents. The BJP leadership termed the incident a “deliberate act of political sabotage” aimed at creating unrest ahead of upcoming political activities in the district.
BJP Files Complaint, Organises Protest Rally
Following the incident, senior BJP leaders of Khowai district lodged a written complaint at Khowai police station, demanding a swift and thorough investigation. On Wednesday morning, the BJP organized a massive protest rally through the main streets of Khowai town, condemning the alleged attack. The rally concluded at Subhas Park, where party workers and supporters gathered for a protest meeting to denounce what they described as “repeated attacks on democracy and political offices.”
District BJP leaders, including Khowai district president Binoy Debbarma, district general secretary Samir Kumar Das, and Mandal president Anukul Das, addressed the gathering and later held a press conference to brief the media on the developments.
Speaking to reporters, Mandal president Anukul Das alleged that the attack was orchestrated by CPM members in an attempt to destabilize the area politically. “CCTV footage has identified one Mantu Karmakar of South Singicherra, a known CPM worker, as the key accused in setting fire to the BJP office,” Das claimed. He added that a written complaint naming Karmakar as the prime suspect has been filed with the police, demanding his arrest within 48 hours. “If the administration fails to act, we will intensify our agitation,” he warned.
CPM Counters Allegations, Claims BJP’s Involvement in Vandalism
The CPM, however, has strongly refuted the allegations. Party leaders accused the BJP of trying to divert public attention from another violent incident that took place just days earlier. On Lakshmi Puja night, the CPM’s local committee office near Subhas Park in Khowai was partially vandalized by miscreants. The CPM held a protest demonstration on Tuesday, blaming local BJP supporters for the attack.
A CPM leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that the BJP was trying to create a “political drama” to cover up its own involvement in acts of intimidation and vandalism against opposition workers. “This politics of retaliation must stop. People want peace and development, not violence,” the leader added.
Political Climate Turning Volatile
The twin incidents — the alleged arson at the BJP office and the vandalism at the CPM office — have heightened political tensions in Khowai, which has long been a politically sensitive district in Tripura. Both parties have a strong organizational presence in the region, and clashes between their workers are not uncommon.
Local residents expressed concern that the rising political violence could disturb communal harmony and normal life in the district. Many urged the administration to ensure law and order and take impartial action against those responsible, irrespective of political affiliations.
| Also Read: Tripura CM Saha says Trinamool has ‘No Presence’ in the State |
A senior police official confirmed that investigations are underway in both incidents. “We are examining CCTV footage and statements from eyewitnesses. Necessary legal action will be taken once we have sufficient evidence,” the officer said.
As the blame game continues, the situation remains tense, with both parties planning more rallies and meetings in the coming days. The administration has increased police presence in key areas of Khowai to prevent further escalation.
