CPI(M) has demanded a High Court judge-led probe into the death of Tripura DGP Anurag Dhankar, announced a statewide Jail Bharo agitation on August 10 and a mass rally in September, while raising concerns over law and order, corruption, unemployment and infrastructure issues.
The opposition CPI(M) has renewed its demand for a judicial inquiry into the death of Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar, expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing police investigation. The party has called for an inquiry to be conducted by a sitting High Court judge and announced a series of political programmes, including a statewide “Jail Bharo” agitation on August 10 and a major mass rally in Agartala in September.
The announcements were made by CPI(M) State Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury during a press conference following a two-day meeting of the party’s state committee held in Agartala on Saturday.
Addressing reporters, Chaudhury said the party has no confidence in the investigation being carried out by the state police into the death of DGP Anurag Dhankar. He stated that the circumstances surrounding the death have raised several questions and that only an independent judicial inquiry led by a sitting High Court judge can ensure transparency and public confidence.
The CPI(M) leader said the party would soon approach Governor N. Indrasena Reddy, requesting his intervention to facilitate the constitution of a judicial inquiry into the matter.
During the press conference, Chaudhury informed that the state committee paid tribute to several senior party leaders who had recently passed away. The committee also observed condolences over the death of DGP Anurag Dhankar, whose demise, he said, has generated widespread public discussion across the state.
The opposition leader also launched a strong attack on the BJP-led government, alleging that the overall law and order situation in Tripura has deteriorated significantly in recent years. He claimed incidents of political violence, assaults and criminal activities have increased under the present administration.
Referring to an incident that allegedly took place on July 15, Chaudhury accused the police of preventing CPI(M) workers from holding a programme despite having prior permission while allowing “troublemakers” to function without restraint.
He further alleged that senior CPI(M) leader Sunirmal Das was attacked by unidentified miscreants while travelling to a school on Saturday and suffered multiple fractures. According to him, a CPI(M) party office in Belonia and a CITU leader in Kamalpur were also targeted in separate incidents, which he described as evidence of increasing political violence.
Chaudhury also expressed concern over the rise in theft, robbery and other criminal activities across the state. He alleged that the government has failed to take effective measures to improve public safety and maintain law and order.
The CPI(M) leader criticised the implementation of several central and state government infrastructure projects, alleging corruption and irregularities in contract execution. He claimed that many newly constructed national highways had deteriorated shortly after completion due to poor quality work.
Referring to discussions held between NHIDCL officials and CPI(M) legislators during highway inspections, Chaudhury alleged that several contractors had abandoned road construction projects midway. According to him, fresh work orders had to be issued, which could delay the completion of these projects by another two to three years.
He also raised concerns over the increase in electricity tariffs, alleging that higher power charges have placed an additional financial burden on ordinary consumers across Tripura.
On employment, Chaudhury claimed that the shortage of job opportunities has forced many young people to migrate outside the state in search of work. He further alleged that unemployment and economic distress are contributing to a rise in criminal activities.
The Leader of the Opposition also congratulated students and youth organisations for their protests over the alleged National Testing Agency (NTA) examination paper leak issue. He claimed the movement had exposed corruption and irregularities within the country’s education system.
Announcing the party’s future programmes, Chaudhury said farmers’ and labour organisations affiliated with the CPI(M) would organise a statewide “Jail Bharo” agitation on August 10 across all subdivisions of Tripura to press for various public demands and highlight issues affecting the people.
He further announced that the All India Krishak Sabha State Conference would be held in September. In connection with the conference, the CPI(M) has decided to organise a large public gathering at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala, where party leaders are expected to address workers, farmers and supporters on key political and socio-economic issues facing the state.
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The announcements signal the beginning of an intensified political campaign by the CPI(M), with the party seeking to mobilise public support around issues such as judicial accountability, law and order, infrastructure, employment, electricity tariffs and governance in Tripura.
