The Tripura Left Front staged a major protest in Agartala demanding rollback of rising utility prices and opposing the installation of smart meters. Leaders accused the BJP-led government of corruption, misgovernance, and imposing anti-people policies while warning of intensified public movements if demands are not met.
In a strong display of public dissent, the Tripura Left Front Committee organized a massive sit-in protest on Wednesday at Orient Chowmuhani in Agartala. The demonstration was staged to demand an immediate rollback of recent hikes in the prices of essential utilities including electricity, CNG, PNG, drinking water, and Gomati milk. The protestors also expressed their unequivocal opposition to the installation of smart meters, which they alleged are being introduced without public consultation.
The protest saw the participation of several senior Left leaders including former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, CPI(M) State Secretary Jitendra Choudhury, and former minister Manik Dey. Addressing the crowd, these leaders condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition government in Tripura, accusing it of anti-people policies and widespread corruption.
“A Reign of Loot in Tripura”: Manik Sarkar
Former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government, alleging that the administration is running a “reign of loot” across the state. Sarkar accused the BJP of failing to fulfill its electoral promises and instead imposing taxes and burdens on the people.
“In 2018 and again in 2023, the BJP made grand promises to the people. But they never said anything about hiking utility prices or taxing essentials. What they are doing now is complete betrayal,” Sarkar stated.
He also criticized the TIPRA Motha party for allegedly collaborating with the BJP to maintain control over the state. “TIPRA Motha has joined the BJP’s looting brigade. After coming to power, they turned the Autonomous District Council (ADC) into a hub of corruption,” he said, accusing the regional party of misgovernance in tribal areas.
Sarkar pointed out that even the Union Finance Minister had promised central financial aid during the election campaign, which has not materialized, adding to the public’s disillusionment.
Jitendra Choudhury Slams Power Tariff Hikes and Smart Meter Plans
CPI(M) State Secretary Jitendra Choudhury also addressed the gathering, highlighting how the cost of living has significantly increased under the BJP-led administration. “Over the past seven and a half years, the prices of essential commodities have been raised repeatedly. In the last two years alone, the power tariff was hiked multiple times, all without consulting the public,” he said.
Choudhury particularly took issue with the installation of smart meters in households across Tripura. “This is the first step towards the privatization of the power sector,” he warned. “We are not against technology, but any technological advancement must be pro-people. Unfortunately, these smart meters are being introduced without transparency, and the government is dodging questions to keep consumers in the dark.”
He urged the public to remain vigilant and prepare for a stronger movement if the government fails to respond to their demands.
Protesters Demand Policy Reversal
The protest drew hundreds of participants from across Agartala, many of whom held placards demanding the rollback of price hikes and denouncing the smart meter rollout. The Left Front leaders reiterated their commitment to fight against the BJP government’s “anti-people” policies and warned that protests would intensify if immediate corrective steps were not taken.
The protest concluded with a pledge to continue the mass movement until the government responds to public concerns and reverses what the Left calls a “deliberate attempt to burden the common people.”
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As Tripura continues to witness growing dissatisfaction over rising living costs and lack of governmental accountability, the Left Front’s protest marks a significant moment in the state’s political landscape. Whether the government will respond remains to be seen, but public frustration appears to be mounting.
