A TMC delegation led by Kunal Ghosh visited Agartala, condemning BJP-backed attacks on its party office and alleging obstruction at the airport. The leaders accused the BJP of undermining democracy and demanded safety, accountability, and fair political treatment in Tripura.
Political tension escalated in Tripura on Wednesday as a high-level delegation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by party general secretary Kunal Ghosh, arrived in Agartala to protest against the alleged attack on the party’s state office. The delegation, comprising Minister Birbaha Hansda, MPs Pratima Mondal and Sayani Ghosh, and Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev, carried out a day-long series of agitational programmes and later addressed a press conference condemning what they termed as the “murder of democracy” under BJP rule in the state.
Airport Obstruction Sparks Protest
The controversy began soon after the TMC delegation landed at the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala, where, according to the party, their vehicles were obstructed by BJP supporters and denied entry into the airport premises. Claiming that drivers assigned to ferry them were intimidated and that even prepaid taxis refused service, the TMC leaders resorted to a sit-in protest inside the airport.
Speaking to reporters, Kunal Ghosh said,
“The right to free movement is enshrined in our Constitution. No citizen—let alone elected representatives—should be denied that. The conduct of Tripura police and BJP supporters was unacceptable. While we eventually received assistance to reach our office, the initial treatment was far from democratic.”
Echoing Ghosh’s statement, MP Sayani Ghosh expressed concern over what she called the “erosion of democratic norms” in Tripura.
“Being denied access to our own party office is not merely an inconvenience—it reflects the atmosphere of hostility that opposition parties face here. Such incidents have become a pattern whenever we visit Tripura,” she said.
“Attack on Party Office Part of Political Intimidation”
Earlier this week, the TMC office located at Chittaranjan Road in Agartala was allegedly vandalized by BJP-backed miscreants, sparking outrage among party leaders. The delegation claimed that the attack was part of a larger effort to intimidate opposition voices and suppress political dissent in the state.
The visiting leaders also accused the ruling BJP of being afraid of TMC’s growing influence in Tripura, a state where Mamata Banerjee’s party is still trying to build its organizational base.
“The BJP’s fear is visible. They know that Mamata Banerjee’s leadership and her pro-people politics are inspiring people even in Tripura,” said Ghosh.
Despite lacking a strong organizational setup in the state, the TMC managed to stage a visible political demonstration, largely driven by its West Bengal leaders and supporters from bordering districts.
Call for Democratic Accountability
During the press conference later in the day, Ghosh drew a parallel between the situation in Tripura and the recent attack on BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Sankar Ghosh in West Bengal, which he said had been condemned by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself.
“Violence of any kind is unacceptable. In West Bengal, we ensure safety and security for leaders of all parties. Unfortunately, the same courtesy is not extended here,” he said.
The delegation reiterated that political differences should never translate into violence or administrative obstruction. “Whenever MPs from other states visit West Bengal, we make sure their stay and movement are smooth. But here, we faced hostility from the very beginning. This is not the spirit of democracy,” Ghosh added.
Police and Administrative Response
A large contingent of police and security personnel was deployed at the airport to prevent any untoward incidents. However, logistical support for the visiting leaders remained absent.
A senior police official stated,
“We are here to oversee security arrangements. Transportation issues require government-to-government coordination and are not within our direct purview.”
Frustrated by the standoff, the TMC leaders at one point expressed readiness to walk to their party office, saying that supporters from distant regions like Dharmanagar and Sonamura had been waiting there for hours. Eventually, transportation was arranged, and the delegation proceeded to their vandalized party office in central Agartala.
Meeting with Police Chief and Call for Security
Concluding their day-long agitation, the TMC delegation met with Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag, submitting a formal memorandum regarding the vandalism incident and the treatment received at the airport. They urged the police administration to ensure safety for all political workers and to facilitate a fair political environment in the state.
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Sources said the DGP assured the visiting leaders that the Tripura Police would uphold its constitutional duties and provide necessary support to protect the rights of TMC members. The delegation expressed hope that the assurances would be backed by visible action on the ground.
The TMC leaders concluded their visit by reaffirming their commitment to peaceful political engagement and democratic resistance, warning that continued suppression of opposition voices would only strengthen their resolve to expand the party’s presence in Tripura.
