Chowdhury faces Black Flag protest in Ambassa over alleged insult to Traditional Tribal attire Risha

By  Firstdespatch Desk   Sep 10, 2025

Agartala, Sept 10 (FD) CPI(M) state secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jiten Chowdhury on Tuesday faced a black flag demonstration by Tipra Motha workers in Ambassa, allegedly over his “insult” to the traditional tribal attire Risha.

Chowdhury was on his way to address a meeting commemorating the first death anniversary of late CPI(M) general secretary and politburo member Sitaram Yechury. As his convoy entered the town, a group of Tipra Motha supporters staged a protest, though his vehicle passed safely through the blockade.

Speaking to reporters later, Chowdhury dismissed the allegations as “baseless,” asserting that he has always respected and promoted the ceremonial wearing of Risha. He alleged that BJP Janajati Morcha leader Bipin Debbarma distorted his earlier media interaction to claim he had insulted the attire. “It seems Tipra Motha picked up this false narrative and staged the protest,” he said.

At Ambassa Town Hall, Chowdhury paid tribute to Yechury, calling him the “real architect of the opposition INDIA alliance.” He then launched a scathing attack on Tipra Motha, questioning its ties with the BJP. “Instead of showing black flags, Tipra Motha should explain what they have gained by allying with the BJP. The ADC is riddled with corruption and development has collapsed,” he alleged.

Chowdhury also flagged the long-pending 125th Constitutional Amendment aimed at empowering the Autonomous District Council (ADC). “For seven years, both the BJP and the Union Home Ministry have remained silent, and so has Tipra Motha. A few leaders may have gained personal benefits, but ordinary tribal people still suffer in poverty and backwardness,” he said.

Urging CPI(M) workers to intensify agitations on local issues, Chowdhury claimed political momentum in Tripura is shifting. “The people want to get rid of the BJP and bring back the Left Front,” he declared. FD JK