Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury slams BJP-led Tripura government, accusing it of topping charts in crimes against women and narcotics trafficking. CPIM’s massive CITU rally in Agartala showcases growing public discontent ahead of the crucial upcoming elections.
In a powerful show of opposition unity and street mobilization ahead of the state’s crucial elections, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Monday staged a massive rally under the banner of its trade union wing, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), bringing large parts of Agartala to a standstill.
Addressing the mammoth gathering, Leader of Opposition and CPIM state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury lashed out at the BJP-led coalition government, accusing it of failing to uphold law and order while projecting hollow slogans of development.
“The class of people who invest their hard labour to build the nation can never bite the dust, and today’s massive turnout is proof of that,” said Chaudhury to thunderous applause. “Under this government’s watch, Tripura has topped the charts in crimes against women and illicit narcotics trafficking, which is what their slogan ‘Ek Tripura Srestha Tripura’ seems to truly mean.”
Traffic Halted, Workers Defy ‘Unofficial Boycott’
Traffic across Agartala city was disrupted for several hours as thousands of CITU activists and supporters marched from the Agartala Railway Station to the meeting venue. The opposition alleged that transport workers were unofficially directed by ruling party loyalists to avoid ferrying CPIM members and sympathizers.
“Braving all odds, people from across the state gathered to raise their voice against the oppressive policies of the BJP government,” said Chaudhury. “Their conspiracies to block us—spreading rumours about railway service disruptions and other tactics—have completely fallen flat.”
Sharp Attack on Tipra Motha
Turning his attention to the Tipra Motha Party, which rules the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), Chaudhury accused it of misleading the tribal population through shifting political agendas.
“The Tipra Motha leadership has been selling dreams for too long—starting from Greater Tipraland to no compromise, and then Tiprasa Chief Minister. The people now see through these hollow slogans,” he said. “The time has arrived when none of these catchy phrases evoke any real response on the ground.”
Manik Sarkar and Tapan Sen Join the Attack
Former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, known for his austere lifestyle and mass appeal, also addressed the crowd. Sarkar emphasized that the fight against the BJP’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer” policies must intensify to save Tripura’s democratic and secular fabric.
Adding to the chorus, CITU National General Secretary Tapan Sen accused the BJP government of pursuing policies detrimental to the working class. “The state government is planning to pass a legislation that could make electricity access a luxury for common citizens. We will resist such moves at all costs,” Sen declared.
CPIM’s Show of Strength Ahead of Elections
Political observers believe the CITU rally marks one of the largest mobilizations by the CPIM in recent years, signaling a resurgence of the Left in Tripura’s political landscape. The impressive turnout is seen as a morale booster for the opposition as the state prepares for a heated electoral season.
According to analysts, the CPIM is attempting to re-establish its base among workers, farmers, and marginalized groups—segments that once formed the backbone of its 25-year rule before the BJP swept to power in 2018.
The public mood, as reflected in the rally, suggests growing frustration over unemployment, rising prices, and allegations of corruption and administrative failure.
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As the political temperature in Tripura rises, both the BJP and CPIM appear to be gearing up for a fierce contest that will test organizational strength and public sentiment alike.
