Reported by Mrinal Banik
Agartala: Former Tripura Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar on Sunday criticised Chief Minister Manik Saha’s response to the recent poll-related violence at Colonel Chowmuhani, alleging that his remarks could embolden troublemakers within the ruling BJP.
Sarkar made the remarks after visiting the homes of party workers who were allegedly attacked and injured during election-related activities. He said the incident took place when CPI(M) workers were putting up campaign materials and conducting door-to-door canvassing.
“After completing their campaign activities, the workers were returning home when they came under attack. Several of them sustained injuries, some of which were serious,” Sarkar told reporters.
He said the incident triggered strong resentment among local residents, including women, who reportedly protested against the attack. Sarkar also claimed that some senior BJP leaders from the locality expressed their reservations over the incident.
Taking exception to the chief minister’s suggestion that opposition parties might be making allegations of political violence to secure public sympathy, the former chief minister said such a response was inappropriate.
Sarkar argued that instead of taking the allegations seriously and addressing concerns over the incident, the Saha had sought to portray the opposition as attempting to gain political mileage by presenting itself as a victim.
“The Chief Minister’s reaction, as reported in the newspapers, is far from satisfactory. By suggesting that opposition parties are portraying themselves as victims to gain public sympathy, he is effectively encouraging the hooligan elements within his party,” Sarkar said.
He maintained that such statements from the head of the government could create an atmosphere in which those involved in political violence might feel emboldened.