By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 16, 2026
Agartala, July 16 (FD) Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) Tripura State Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury on Wednesday alleged that the BJP-led state government has allowed a "reign of goondas" to prevail in Tripura, following the alleged disruption of a party programme commemorating slain CPI(M) leader Badal Shill in South Tripura district.
The allegations came after a CPI(M) rally and Martyrs' Day observance at Chotta Khola in South Tripura was reportedly disrupted by BJP supporters, leading to tension in the area.
As the situation escalated, a large contingent of Tripura Police, led by Additional Superintendent of Police Suman Majumder and other senior officers, reached the spot and prevented CPI(M) leaders and supporters from proceeding further to maintain law and order.
Addressing the media, Chaudhury said the CPI(M) had obtained official permission for the programme several days in advance.
"We secured permission for the programme at least four days ago. We came here peacefully, but the failure of the police administration was unexpected," he alleged.
Chaudhury said he had spoken to Director General of Police Anurag a day before the event and had expressed apprehension that attempts could be made to disrupt the programme. According to him, the DGP assured that appropriate instructions would be issued to the Superintendent of Police of South Tripura district to ensure peaceful conduct of the event.
However, the CPI(M) leader alleged that BJP supporters had assembled near the venue since morning and created disturbances despite the presence of police personnel.
Questioning the effectiveness of the security arrangements, Chaudhury claimed the district police had informed the DGP that adequate forces had been deployed, but alleged that the deployment failed to prevent the disruption.
"The government is sheltering goondas under the same roof. Democracy has already been throttled, and a reign of goondas is prevailing in Tripura," Chaudhury alleged.
Describing the incident as a reflection of deteriorating law and order, he further claimed that the police had failed to protect the democratic rights of the opposition and instead acted in a manner that benefited those responsible for disrupting the programme.
Reaffirming the party's resolve, Chaudhury said the CPI(M) would continue to organise the annual Martyrs' Day programme at Chotta Khola every year and would continue its political struggle to safeguard democratic rights in the state. FD JK