Agartala: CPI(M) Politburo member Brinda Karat on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the ruling BJP and the Tipra Motha Party, alleging that both had weakened the rights and interests of tribal communities in Tripura.
Addressing a public meeting in Agartala to mark the beginning of the Ganamukti Parishad’s central conference, Karat said misinformation in public discourse had increased significantly since the BJP came to power at the Centre. She alleged that BJP-ruled states were actively promoting false narratives under directions from the party’s national leadership.
Referring to the death of Anjel Chakma, Karat said the incident had drawn nationwide attention and should not be viewed in isolation. While those directly involved in the killing were responsible, she argued that the broader social climate that normalised racial abuse against ethnic minorities also needed scrutiny. According to her, such attitudes were being encouraged by the BJP and its ideological affiliates.
Karat further alleged that political forces in Tripura had a long history of exploiting tribal sentiments for electoral gains. She said this trend was earlier visible in the functioning of the Tripura Upajati Juba Samiti and later the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), and claimed that the Tipra Motha Party was now following a similar trajectory.
Commenting on a recent statement by former BJP MP Rebati Tripura—who reportedly spoke about sending Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman to jail, Karat said such remarks reflected the use of political pressure and coercion. She alleged that certain parties were willing to compromise their ideological positions in order to remain in power.
Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury, who also addressed the gathering, said contradictions within the ruling alliance had created confusion over the issue of tribal autonomy. He pointed out that while the IPFT continued to raise the demand for Tipraland, the Tipra Motha Party spoke of Greater Tipraland, and the BJP opposed any such demand. Chaudhury said the alliance partners needed to clearly articulate their collective position.
The meeting was held as part of the events marking the commencement of the Ganamukti Parishad’s central conference and was attended by party leaders and supporters from across the state.