Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury faced black flag protests in Ambassa over alleged disrespect to Tripura’s traditional attire Risha. While BJP supporters accused him of insulting indigenous culture, Chaudhury dismissed the claims as a political stunt ahead of elections.
Tensions flared in Ambassa on Wednesday as Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) politburo member Jitendra Chaudhury faced a massive protest allegedly led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters. The protestors accused the veteran Left leader of insulting the indigenous cultural attire ‘Risha’, sparking a fresh round of political controversy in the tribal-dominated region.
The protest at Ambassa
Hundreds of protestors carrying black flags waylaid Chaudhury’s convoy as it made its way to Ambassa. The demonstrators shouted slogans demanding that the CPI(M) leader “go back” and alleged that he had disrespected the Risha, a traditional handwoven cloth considered a token of honor and pride among Tripura’s indigenous communities.
Despite heavy sloganeering and attempts to block the convoy, police personnel intervened promptly and ensured the Leader of the Opposition could proceed to his destination. Chaudhury was en route to a CPI(M) programme organized to pay homage to the late Sitaram Yechury, the party’s former general secretary.
Allegations against Chaudhury
The protestors alleged that during a recent media interaction, Jitendra Chaudhury placed a Risha on the sofa where he was sitting, an act they claimed amounted to disrespecting the sacred cultural attire.
The Risha—a versatile handwoven cloth—holds immense significance in Tripura’s tribal society. Traditionally, it is worn as an upper garment by women and also used as a headgear or scarf. It is regarded as a symbol of dignity, honor, and identity. Since the formation of the BJP-IPFT government in Tripura, the attire has received increased prominence and recognition in political and cultural spaces.
The protestors demanded an apology from the CPI(M) leader, accusing him of disregarding indigenous sentiments.
Chaudhury’s response
Dismissing the allegations, Jitendra Chaudhury said the issue had been exaggerated by the BJP’s IT Cell and certain leaders attempting to tarnish his image. He specifically accused BJP leader Bipin Debbarma of running a campaign to mislead the public.
“Risha definitely holds cultural significance. These handwoven clothes are an integral part of our tribal society. Nowadays, they are also used for other purposes, such as scarves and headgear. After use, people keep them in their homes. Similarly, a piece of cloth was lying on the sofa cushion, and I was sitting there. There was no intention to insult anyone,” Chaudhury explained.
He further labeled the controversy as a “publicity stunt” designed to divert attention from real issues confronting the people of Tripura.
Political undertone of the protest
Later, addressing a rally at Ambassa, Chaudhury launched a sharp attack on the ruling BJP, alleging that the party was losing its grip over the people. He argued that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal charisma, which once played a crucial role in ensuring electoral victories for the BJP, was gradually fading away.
“The BJP no longer enjoys the same mass appeal as it did earlier. People are beginning to see through their hollow promises,” Chaudhury said during his speech.
The incident has fueled political debate in Tripura, where cultural symbols like Risha often play a vital role in shaping public opinion. For the BJP, which has positioned itself as the protector of tribal identity, the controversy has provided an opportunity to corner the Left opposition. For the CPI(M), however, the issue is being framed as a diversion from governance failures and larger socio-economic challenges.
Significance of Risha in Tripura politics
The Risha has become more than just attire—it has emerged as a political emblem in Tripura. Used widely during cultural and social events, it is also frequently offered to dignitaries and guests as a gesture of respect. Political leaders across party lines often don the attire at public events to symbolize solidarity with indigenous traditions.
Therefore, any alleged act of disrespect toward the Risha quickly escalates into political controversy, as seen in the case of Chaudhury’s convoy protest. With Assembly elections not far away, such symbolic issues are expected to gain prominence in the political discourse.
The road ahead
While the dust is unlikely to settle soon, the incident underscores the sensitive interplay between culture and politics in Tripura. For Chaudhury and the CPI(M), clarifying their stand and reconnecting with tribal sentiments will be crucial. For the BJP, the episode has offered fresh ammunition to challenge the credibility of the opposition.
| Also Read: GI Tag proposal for Tripura Agar gains momentum: Ratan Lal Nath |
As political observers note, the Risha controversy is a reminder that in Tripura, cultural pride and political strategies often overlap—making every gesture and symbol a matter of public scrutiny.
