A major political controversy erupted in Tripura after opposition parties CPI-M and Congress demanded the removal of State Minister Sudhangshu Das from the Cabinet for his alleged derogatory and communal remarks on social media. The remarks, which linked opposition parties to historical religious persecution, have sparked widespread outrage.
The Tipra Motha Party (TMP), an ally of the ruling BJP, also criticized the minister, while the Tripura Insaf Parishad, a Muslim organization, called for legal action against him.
Opposition Slams Minister’s Remarks
Leader of Opposition and CPI-M state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury condemned the minister’s comments, stating that such divisive rhetoric threatens Tripura’s communal harmony. According to him, Das compared opposition parties to Islamic brutality and barbarism, referencing the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
In a letter to Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, Chaudhury accused Das of violating constitutional values, particularly secularism. “This is not the first time Minister Das has made such statements. His repeated remarks reflect a habitually unconstitutional and communal mindset,” Chaudhury asserted.
Congress leader and MLA Birajit Sinha echoed similar concerns, warning that the minister’s statements could disrupt peace and unity in the state. He urged that the offensive social media posts be deleted immediately to prevent communal tensions.
Legal Action and Growing Political Tension
Amid the controversy, the Tripura Insaf Parishad filed a police complaint against Das at the Irani police station in Kailashahar, accusing him of inciting religious discord. The organization has also called for strict legal action against the minister.
TMP founder and former royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma expressed his shock, stating that public officials must refrain from making divisive statements. “Swearing on the Constitution means upholding its values, not promoting hatred and division,” he said.
With elections approaching, analysts believe this incident could impact Tripura’s political landscape, highlighting the increasing use of social media as a tool for political rhetoric. The ruling BJP has yet to issue an official response.
As the demand for Das’s removal gains momentum, all eyes are on the Governor’s decision and the BJP’s stance on handling the growing communal and political tensions.
