Tripura Congress demands CM Manik Saha resign from the Home portfolio amid rising crime. TPCC President Ashish Saha cites police assaults, journalist harassment, and political violence, including the burning of a Congress office, accusing the state government of law and order failure.
The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee has issued a strong call for Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha to relinquish his Home portfolio, citing a sharp deterioration in the law and order situation across the state. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday at the Congress Bhawan, TPCC President Ashish Kumar Saha expressed grave concern over the increasing incidence of crimes and the government’s failure to contain them.
Ashish Saha alleged that Tripura has witnessed a surge in serious crimes, including rape, murder, drug trafficking, and anti-social activities. He held the state administration and police department responsible for failing to deliver on their fundamental duty of maintaining peace and safety in the region.
Highlighting recent incidents, Saha said even police officials and journalists are becoming targets of violence while on duty. He referred to a disturbing episode on Tuesday in Bagbasa, where a police officer was physically assaulted. In another case, miscreants attacked a constable at his own residence in Belonia, underlining how even law enforcement personnel are not safe.
Saha accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of interfering with the functioning of the police, alleging that certain sections of the police administration are being influenced politically. This alleged political pressure, he claimed, is making it difficult for officers to perform their duties impartially.
The Congress leader did not stop at criticizing the police and the government. He also raised alarm over growing threats faced by journalists and opposition political leaders. He stated that media professionals are being harassed in various forms, while violence and intimidation against opposition figures and party offices have intensified.
Citing an incident in Sabroom, Saha said the Congress’s newly inaugurated local office was set on fire on Tuesday night by unidentified individuals. The attack destroyed campaign materials, party flags, and other property. He condemned the act as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence the Congress’s growing support base in the state.
“This kind of political violence is unacceptable and reflects a complete breakdown in governance. It seems the government is more focused on suppressing the opposition than ensuring public safety,” Saha remarked during the press interaction.
He further noted that crimes against women are steadily increasing in Tripura, yet no significant action is being taken. “The women of this state are living in fear. This government has failed them,” Saha added.
Expressing total distrust in the Manik Saha-led government, the Congress president emphasized that the deteriorating law and order situation shows a clear failure of governance. He said that if the Chief Minister cannot control the situation, he should step down from the Home portfolio and let someone more competent take over.
Referring to recent administrative developments, Saha acknowledged the state government’s decision to form a special task force (STF) to curb drug smuggling, cross-border crimes, and maintain internal security. However, he was skeptical of the government’s intent and effectiveness, stating that the Congress will monitor the STF’s activities and performance closely.
“We want to see real action and not just announcements. If the STF works without political interference, we will support it. But if it becomes another arm of the ruling party, we will not remain silent,” he warned.
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The Tripura Pradesh Congress has reiterated its commitment to democratic values and vowed to continue raising its voice against injustice and lawlessness. With Assembly elections in the not-too-distant future, the party appears determined to spotlight the BJP government’s alleged administrative failures as a central campaign issue.
