The Tripura Legislative Assembly turned into a battleground on Thursday as BJP and Congress MLAs clashed over the absence of CPIM from the ongoing Budget session. The principal opposition party staged a boycott, leaving the House divided and prompting Congress to demand immediate intervention from Speaker Biswabandhu Sen. The uproar began as Congress legislators accused the ruling BJP of failing to ensure a conducive environment for all parties to participate in crucial discussions. They insisted that the Speaker step in and facilitate CPIM’s return to the Assembly to maintain democratic decorum.
BJP leaders dismissed the allegations and claimed that CPIM had voluntarily distanced itself from the proceedings. They argued that the opposition’s absence was a deliberate attempt to disrupt governance and avoid meaningful debates on policy matters. Congress MLAs, however, countered this claim and said the ruling party’s attitude had forced CPIM into a boycott. They criticized BJP for not taking proactive steps to address the concerns of the opposition and accused them of creating an atmosphere of hostility.
The Speaker listened to both sides but refrained from taking an immediate stand, urging members to maintain decorum and allow the session to continue. Congress leaders, dissatisfied with the response, continued to press for intervention, insisting that the opposition’s participation was vital for a fair and balanced discussion on the Budget. They warned that ignoring CPIM’s absence could set a dangerous precedent for democratic engagement in the state.
CPIM, despite being absent from the House, released a statement justifying its boycott. The party cited repeated instances of suppression, stating that the ruling party had failed to provide a fair platform for debate. CPIM leaders said their members were constantly being interrupted, and their suggestions were dismissed without discussion. They accused BJP of undermining democratic values by not allowing opposition voices to be heard.
The ruling party, however, maintained that CPIM’s boycott was nothing more than a political stunt. BJP MLAs said the opposition was attempting to create unnecessary controversy and avoid discussing key budgetary proposals. They pointed out that the government had extended multiple invitations to CPIM leaders to participate in the session, but they had refused to engage in constructive dialogue.
As tensions escalated, independent political observers weighed in on the issue. Some analysts noted that CPIM’s absence weakened the overall effectiveness of the Assembly, as opposition scrutiny plays a crucial role in governance. Others speculated that the boycott was part of a larger strategy to rally public support ahead of future political battles.
The Budget session, which is one of the most critical times for legislative discussions, now finds itself overshadowed by political discord. The ongoing dispute between BJP and Congress threatens to stall key policy decisions, with both sides unwilling to back down. Congress has vowed to continue demanding the Speaker’s intervention, while BJP remains firm in its stance that CPIM’s absence is self-imposed.
The Speaker, caught between opposing factions, faces the challenge of restoring order while ensuring that the Assembly functions smoothly. Political experts believe his decision in the coming days will be crucial in determining whether CPIM will return to the House or whether the standoff will continue. Meanwhile, voters across Tripura are watching closely, as the unfolding drama highlights deeper political tensions within the state.
