Opposition condemns alleged attack on former Tripura chief minister’s convoy

The convoy of former Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar was allegedly attacked with bricks and eggs during a visit to Bamutia in west Tripura on Sunday, according to opposition parties. Sarkar, a CPI(M) politburo member, was travelling to a meeting at the party’s local office when a crowd protested against his arrival. He was not injured, but the vehicle in which he was travelling was slightly damaged.

The CPI(M) and Congress condemned the incident and described it as a result of what they called the BJP’s frustration as its support base in the state declined. They also connected the episode with recent controversies involving India’s Election Commission. Sarkar said the BJP was disconnected from the public and attempting to silence dissent.

CPI(M) state secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chowdhury said he was surprised that bricks and eggs had been thrown despite the presence of security personnel. Chowdhury said he had spoken to the director general of police, who assured him that action would be taken. He also expressed doubt about how the police response would proceed.

Congress leader and former health minister Sudip Roy Barman condemned what he called the BJP’s arm-twisting tactics. He said such methods would not stop opposition parties from seeking public support. The CPI(M) held a protest march in Agartala later on Sunday.

Several hundred supporters from the party’s various wings attended the rally against the alleged convoy attack. Sarkar served as chief minister for four terms. Congress also alleged that suspected miscreants had set fire to the home of party supporter Samiran Das in Kumarghat, Unakoti district.

Police said that incident was under investigation. The supplied material does not report any arrests or confirm responsibility for either episode.