Tension flared in North Tripura’s Kadamtala as BJP activists disrupted a CPI(M) protest demanding constitutional rights for locals. Police intervened to prevent clashes as both parties exchanged slogans amid heavy security deployment throughout the day.
Political tension flared in North Tripura’s Kadamtala-Kurti Assembly constituency on Wednesday morning after a scheduled protest by the opposition CPI(M) was abruptly disrupted by a counter-mobilisation from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The day’s events highlighted the intensifying political rivalry in the region ahead of the upcoming local elections, as both parties sought to assert dominance on the streets.
The CPI(M) had earlier announced a road blockade in front of the Kadamtala Block Office, demanding the restoration of constitutional rights for families residing along the banks of the Kalagangar River. The opposition alleged that these residents had been denied basic civic facilities and land rights. Former MLA Amitabh Dutta, along with MLAs Islam Uddin and Jahirul Haque, gathered with party workers and supporters near the protest site early in the morning to begin the blockade.
However, tensions began rising soon after the BJP announced a “Thanksgiving Rally” in the same area, aimed at expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Union Finance Minister for recent central government initiatives. The simultaneous scheduling of both events turned Kadamtala into a political flashpoint, prompting authorities to deploy a large contingent of police, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), and paramilitary personnel to maintain order.
Before the CPI(M) leaders could begin their demonstration, the BJP rally advanced from behind, creating panic among the Left supporters. Sensing a confrontation, the CPI(M) leaders quickly withdrew from the blockade site and regrouped in front of their local party office near Kadamtala Bazaar. Meanwhile, BJP activists, led by district president Kajal Das, Mandal president Bimal Purkayastha, and Bidyabhushan Das, attempted to march toward the same bazaar area.
Despite the presence of multiple police barricades, security forces struggled to contain the surging BJP procession. As the rally reached the vicinity of the CPI(M) office, a heated face-off ensued between workers of both parties. Witnesses reported that slogans were raised from both sides, with BJP supporters accusing the CPI(M) of misleading the public and obstructing development initiatives.
Police intervention proved crucial in preventing what could have been a serious clash. Officers on duty managed to separate the groups and restore temporary calm. However, BJP activists reportedly issued a ten-minute ultimatum to CPI(M) supporters to vacate the area, intensifying the standoff. Ultimately, under growing pressure and amid fears of escalation, CPI(M) workers dispersed from the spot.
The incident has once again exposed the fragile political peace in Tripura’s northern districts, where competition between the BJP, CPI(M), and Congress remains fierce. Political observers noted that the day’s events reflected a larger battle for relevance between the BJP and the Left, with both parties seeking to mobilise grassroots support ahead of the panchayat and civic body polls.
Commenting on the incident, Pradesh Congress general secretary Abdul Basit Choudhury criticised both major parties but particularly took aim at the Left.
“The CPI(M) are tigers when in power, but once out of power, they turn more timid than cats — today’s incident proves that,” he remarked sarcastically.
Choudhury also alleged that the Left’s weak turnout revealed a loss of public confidence, and that many CPI(M) workers stayed away due to fear of BJP’s aggression. “In reality, the CPI(M) has only helped revive a dead BJP in Kadamtala. The only true alternative to the ruling party is the Indian National Congress,” he asserted.
The situation in Kadamtala remained tense throughout the day, with continuous patrolling by security forces to prevent further unrest. Although no major injuries or arrests were reported, the incident has underscored the volatile political atmosphere in North Tripura.
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Political analysts believe that such confrontations indicate a growing polarisation of Tripura’s political space, where ground-level activities are increasingly becoming battlegrounds for demonstrating power rather than addressing local grievances. With the CPI(M) striving to reclaim lost ground and the BJP determined to retain its dominance, Kadamtala may remain a hotspot of political friction in the days to come.
