CITU strongly counters BJP’s “flop strike” claim over February 12 Bharat Bandh in Tripura, alleging hate politics and smear campaigns. The farmers’ protest against the proposed India–US trade deal sparks sharp political confrontation and public debate.
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has reacted sharply to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s claim that the nationwide strike held on February 12 was a “flop.” The protest, part of a larger Bharat Bandh called by farmers’ unions against the proposed India–US trade deal, has triggered a fresh political confrontation in Tripura.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, CITU state leader Sankar Prasad Datta accused the BJP of indulging in “hate politics” and attempting to mislead the public. He rejected the BJP’s assertion that the strike failed and was supported only by what it described as “social viruses.” According to Datta, the shutdown witnessed strong participation across Tripura, contradicting the ruling party’s narrative.
“The response to the strike in Tripura was excellent. People from different sectors joined in solidarity against policies that threaten farmers and workers,” Datta told reporters. He alleged that the BJP was trying to downplay the protest’s impact to protect its political interests and deflect attention from public grievances.
The BJP had earlier alleged incidents of picketing and obstruction during the bandh, including an alleged auto-rickshaw blocking incident that reportedly involved CITU’s state president. Datta dismissed the accusations as baseless and politically motivated. “No picketing occurred as promised. These are false claims intended to tarnish our image,” he said, describing the allegations as a smear campaign.
The February 12 Bharat Bandh was organized to protest what farmers’ groups and trade unions describe as a potentially harmful India–US trade agreement that could impact agricultural livelihoods and domestic markets. CITU leaders argue that the deal could undermine local producers and weaken labor protections.
Datta further accused the BJP of spreading divisive rhetoric. “Those who habitually lie and create a hateful atmosphere in the country are capable of making such statements. Instead of addressing people’s problems, they resort to deflection and propaganda,” he said.
| Also Read: Tripura Bandh Largely Peaceful; MLAs among 300 arrested |
He added that CITU would continue its struggle against what it called corruption, economic inequality, and anti-worker policies. “Our fight against those looting the nation and destroying its institutions will continue in the interest of the people,” Datta asserted.
The political sparring underscores growing tensions over economic policy and labor rights, with both sides presenting sharply contrasting accounts of the strike’s success and public response.
