Former BJP CM Manik Sarkar accused the BJP government of ignoring people’s problems and pursuing divisive politics during the Left Front’s Jail Bharo agitation in Agartala. The CPI(M)-led protest raised demands concerning farmers, workers, employment, prices and livelihoods, with thousands reportedly courting arrest across Tripura.
Former Tripura Chief Minister and CPI(M) Politburo member Manik Sarkar launched a strong attack on the BJP government during the Left Front’s Jail Bharo agitation in Agartala on Monday, accusing the ruling party of failing to address pressing public concerns and pursuing what he described as divisive politics.
The CPI(M)-led mobilisation brought together farmers, agricultural workers, trade union members and supporters of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha. The protest was organised around an 11-point charter of demands covering workers’ rights, farmers’ welfare, employment, price control and livelihood-related concerns.
Addressing supporters following the arrests, Sarkar alleged that ordinary people were facing increasing economic difficulties while the government was failing to take effective measures to resolve issues affecting their daily lives. He claimed that rising living costs, unemployment, agricultural distress and livelihood challenges continued to affect people across the state and the country.
According to Sarkar, the government should concentrate on resolving problems directly connected with people’s lives rather than encouraging divisions between communities. He also criticised the administration’s handling of the agitation, alleging that police action and barricades were used to prevent protesters from exercising their democratic rights.
The protest march began at Orient Chowmuhani and proceeded through Jackson Gate, Kaman Chowmuhani and Post Office Chowmuhani. Former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, CPI(M) State secretary Jitendra Chaudhury, CITU State president Manik Dey, Samyukta Kisan Morcha State convenor Pabitra Kar and former Minister Pranab Debbarma were among the leaders who participated in the procession.
Police stopped the march near Government Nursing Home. When protesters attempted to move forward after crossing a barricade, the procession was stopped again near the Ayurvedic Hospital close to Paradise Chowmuhani. The protesters and leaders subsequently courted arrest as part of the Jail Bharo programme.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha claimed that around 6,000 farmers and working people were arrested in Agartala. Pabitra Kar also said similar civil disobedience programmes were organised at 21 other locations across Tripura.
Sarkar described the mobilisation as an indication of public dissatisfaction with the government and urged CPI(M) workers and supporters not to become complacent following the protest. He called for a sustained campaign to take the concerns raised during the agitation to people across the state.
Sarkar also described the government as “undemocratic, authoritarian, anti-people” and alleged that it was working in the interests of a section seeking to retain political power. The CPI(M) leader said the party would continue its movement until meaningful steps were taken to address the demands raised by farmers, workers and other sections of society.
CITU State secretary Shankar Dutta also criticised the government, alleging that it had failed to address the concerns of the people. He called for a change in government.
Agricultural distress was another major issue raised during the agitation. Pabitra Kar alleged that farmers continued to face financial difficulties despite earlier assurances regarding remunerative prices for agricultural produce. He also raised concerns over the condition of shifting cultivators and agricultural labourers, along with the rising debt burden among farmers.
Kar further alleged shortages of fertilisers, seeds and pesticides in Tripura and criticised the availability of irrigation facilities. He said farmers’ organisations were preparing for larger protests over agricultural and rural livelihood issues.
The agitation was also held against the backdrop of political discussions surrounding the proposed elections to village committees of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council. The possible electoral understanding between the ruling BJP and Tipra Motha Party has added significance to the political environment in the state.
The protest was part of a wider Jail Bharo campaign, according to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, which claimed similar programmes were conducted at around 1,000 locations across the country involving farmers, trade unions, students and youth organisations.
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During the Agartala agitation, CPI(M)’s Dukli subdivision secretary Samar Chakraborty reportedly suffered an injury to the thumb of his right hand during a scuffle with police and was admitted to hospital for treatment.
The protesters were later released after an Additional Magistrate reached the spot and announced their release. The Left Front said it would continue raising issues related to farmers, workers, employment, prices and public welfare as it seeks to strengthen its grassroots mobilisation in Tripura.
