By Firstdespatch Desk Aug 27, 2026
Agartala, Aug 27 (FD) The opening day of the Monsoon Session of the Tripura Legislative Assembly witnessed heated exchanges between the Treasury Bench and the opposition CPI (M) on Thursday after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath launched a sharp attack on the Left party over nationalism, the display of the Cuban flag and remarks made at a recent CPI (M)-organised event.
The controversy erupted after Question Hour and during Zero Hour when Nath referred to the recent three-day visit of Cuban Ambassador Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera to Tripura. The minister questioned the ambassador's visit to the CPI (M) state headquarters and raised objections to remarks made at an event held at Rabindra Bhavan on August 21 to commemorate revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.
Nath alleged that the national song and national anthem were not played at the programme and objected to the display of the Cuban flag alongside the Indian national flag. He also criticised Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury over remarks allegedly concerning India's “colonial mind-set” and the concept of Indian nationalism.
In a sharp political attack, Nath accused the CPI (M) of being “anti-national” and acting as a “foreign agent”. He further alleged that the party praised foreign countries at the expense of India and supported forces opposed to the country's interests. He also accused the CPI (M) of acting as a “broker” for Pakistan and China.
The remarks triggered strong protests from CPI (M) MLAs, leading to a heated verbal confrontation between the ruling BJP and opposition benches. Nath was also heard asking CPI (M) legislators to leave the House, prompting Chaudhury to respond, “Who are you to ask me to leave the place?”
As the uproar intensified and proceedings were disrupted, Speaker Rampada Jamatia intervened and adjourned the House until noon. Normal proceedings resumed after the recess.
Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly later, Chaudhury rejected Nath's allegations, accusing the minister of distorting his remarks to create a political controversy and lecture the opposition on nationalism.
Chaudhury said the central theme of his speech was India's traditional humanitarian outlook and the importance of respecting personalities from different countries who had contributed to humanity and fought against oppression.
Referring to Fidel Castro, the Leader of the Opposition said the Cuban revolutionary leader could be viewed as a symbol of patriotism, resistance and the struggle for national independence.
Chaudhury argued that Indian nationalism should be understood in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and should not be interpreted in a narrow or exclusionary manner. He maintained that the CPI (M) respected the country but criticised the BJP and RSS over their interpretation and approach to nationalism.
On the controversy surrounding the Cuban flag, Chaudhury questioned why its display at a political programme had become an issue. He also criticised the government for raising the matter during the Assembly session instead of focusing on issues affecting ordinary people. FD JK