Tripura Assembly witnessed a stormy debate as BJP and CPI(M) legislators clashed over remarks at a Fidel Castro event, prompting Speaker Ram Pada Jamatia to adjourn proceedings before the scheduled recess.
The Tripura State Legislative Assembly witnessed a stormy and heated exchange on Thursday as ruling BJP and opposition CPM legislators traded sharp accusations over remarks allegedly made at an event commemorating revolutionary Cuban leader and former Cuban President Fidel Castro. The escalating confrontation eventually prompted Speaker Ram Pada Jamatia to adjourn the House 15 minutes before the scheduled recess.
The proceedings later resumed at 2:00 pm, but the earlier confrontation highlighted growing political tensions between the treasury and opposition benches over issues relating to nationalism, the national flag, political statements and recent controversies surrounding the state government.
The controversy was triggered by Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, who demanded an apology from Leader of the Opposition and CPM state secretary Jitendra Choudhury over remarks allegedly made during an event held at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in the presence of the Cuban Ambassador.
The programme was organised to mark the centenary of Fidel Castro. Nath alleged that Choudhury, while speaking at the gathering, had criticised nationalism and made comparisons between the present Indian state and imperialist powers. The Power Minister described the alleged remarks as objectionable and argued that statements portraying the country negatively in front of a foreign diplomatic representative should not be accepted.
Nath also accused the CPM of disrespecting the national flag during the programme. According to the Minister, Cuban national flags outnumbered Indian tricolours at the venue. He clarified that the government had no objection to the visit of the Cuban envoy but maintained that political statements made in the presence of a foreign delegate should not undermine India’s image.
The Minister’s allegations further intensified the situation inside the Assembly. During his speech, Nath used strong language against CPM legislators, branding them as “Chinese” and “Pakistani” agents. His remarks prompted BJP legislators to rally behind him, with several ruling party MLAs raising slogans against the opposition members.
The BJP legislators also held the national flag while raising slogans, turning the Assembly confrontation into a highly charged political exchange.
Reacting sharply to Nath’s allegations, Choudhury hit back by accusing the BJP of acting as agents of the British and America. The verbal confrontation continued as both sides refused to back down, with BJP legislators led by Nath insisting that the Leader of the Opposition should offer an unconditional apology for his remarks at the August 19 event.
Nath also brought up the significance of August 19, pointing out that the day marked the birth anniversary of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, whom he described as a great son of Tripura and a visionary local leader. He alleged that the CPM had never properly observed the birth anniversaries of local leaders despite the state government declaring the day a holiday.
Amid the confrontation, Choudhury attempted to raise an issue related to the census exercise. However, Nath objected to the move and insisted that the opposition should first apologise for the alleged remarks. He further argued that CPM legislators should not be permitted to remain in the House without addressing the issue.
The increasingly disorderly exchange left the Speaker with little choice but to intervene. Speaker Ram Pada Jamatia adjourned the proceedings 15 minutes before the scheduled recess, temporarily bringing the heated confrontation to an end.
After the adjournment, Choudhury spoke to media representatives at his chamber inside the Assembly and rejected the allegations levelled against him by the Power Minister.
Choudhury said his speech had been misinterpreted and described the Minister’s claims as baseless and unfounded. He pointed out that programmes had been organised over three consecutive days from August 19 to August 21 and were open to the public, with several media organisations covering the events.
According to the Leader of the Opposition, national flags of both India and Cuba had been appropriately displayed at the venue. He said the arrangements at the entrance and inside the meeting venue included flags of both countries, rejecting the suggestion that the programme had shown disrespect towards India’s national flag.
Choudhury also defended the broader message of his speech, arguing that India’s value system has historically been associated with standing beside humanity whenever people face oppression or attacks. He said this principle had been followed since the country’s independence and was consistent with India’s traditional outlook.
The CPM leader further accused Nath of adopting an “offence is the best defence” approach to divert attention from issues concerning the state government’s performance. Choudhury claimed that the Power Minister was attempting to shield himself from questions over recent controversies surrounding electricity tariff increases and power outages.
According to Choudhury, the issue of power supply and tariff hikes had created public dissatisfaction, and the Minister was aware that the government could face accountability inside the Assembly. He alleged that the confrontation was therefore being used to create a political narrative favourable to the ruling side.
The day’s developments underline the deep political divisions between the ruling BJP and the CPM in Tripura. The dispute, which began over remarks at a cultural and political event involving a foreign diplomat, quickly expanded into a broader confrontation involving nationalism, the national flag, political ideology and the performance of the state power sector.
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With the Assembly session continuing, the confrontation is likely to keep political tensions high as both sides seek to defend their positions and hold the other accountable on issues of public and political importance.
