At least nine BJP workers were injured in Tripura’s Khowai district after Tipra Motha Party supporters allegedly attacked a gathering during PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat programme. Vehicles were vandalised, prompting strong condemnation from BJP leaders and intervention from the Chief Minister. Investigation is ongoing.
Tensions flared in Tripura’s Khowai district on Sunday when at least nine Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionaries were injured in an alleged attack by workers of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP). The incident occurred at Taksapara village under the Asharambari Assembly Constituency when BJP members had gathered to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular radio programme, Mann Ki Baat.
According to police sources, around 30 BJP functionaries and supporters were assembled at a local residence to listen to the 124th episode of Mann Ki Baat, a monthly broadcast by Prime Minister Modi aired on Akashvani. During the programme, a group of TMP supporters reportedly launched a sudden and violent attack on the BJP gathering.
“A large number of TMP workers stormed the venue and assaulted the BJP workers using sharp-edged weapons like ‘dao’, sticks, and other crude tools. Nine people were injured, two of them seriously. They were rushed to Khowai district hospital for medical treatment,” said a senior police officer.
In addition to injuring BJP members, the attackers allegedly vandalised several vehicles. Reports confirmed that eight motorcycles and two cars were damaged during the violence. The attackers also targeted the property where the programme was being held, injuring the homeowner and damaging other items on the premises.
Reacting to the incident, BJP’s Asharambari Mandal President Jayanta Debbarma expressed strong condemnation. “Around 100 unruly TMP youths suddenly came and began attacking us. They didn’t even spare my vehicle and the house owner where we were holding the Mann Ki Baat listening session,” Debbarma said.
Senior BJP leaders including Papiya Datta, Pinaki Das Chowdhury, and Bipin Debbarma condemned the attack in strong terms and demanded immediate action against those responsible. “Such incidents are meant to incite political unrest and threaten democratic engagement. We urge the authorities to take the strictest action against the culprits,” said Papiya Datta.
Bipin Debbarma, the State General Secretary of the BJP, informed the media that a delegation of party leaders from Agartala had rushed to the scene to assess the situation and provide support to the victims. “Chief Minister Manik Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, has personally taken up the issue with TMP leadership,” he said.
According to Bipin Debbarma, the Chief Minister spoke directly with Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma—who represents the Asharambari Assembly Constituency and is a senior leader in TMP—regarding the violent incident.
Security has been significantly increased in the region following the attack. A large contingent of police, led by senior officers, has been deployed to prevent further unrest and maintain order.
The attack has stirred fresh concerns about political violence in the northeastern state. Political analysts fear that such acts could undermine peaceful democratic engagement and widen the gap between rival political factions.
The Mann Ki Baat programme, launched in 2014, serves as a monthly platform for the Prime Minister to connect with citizens across the country. Sunday’s broadcast marked the 124th episode and was followed by BJP supporters across Tripura, including top state leaders and grassroots workers.
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While police are continuing their investigation, no arrests have been made so far. BJP leaders insist that immediate legal action is necessary to deter further political violence and restore public confidence in the state’s law and order machinery.
