Tripura Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman launched a scathing attack on the BJP and RSS during a public address on Thursday, accusing them of orchestrating a deliberate attempt to regress India’s progress. According to Barman, the organizations are fostering divisions among communities by exploiting religious sentiments to solidify their hold on power. The former minister’s remarks underscored his belief that these tactics threaten to undermine the country’s democratic framework and social fabric.
Barman described the BJP and RSS as entities that are actively working against the secular and progressive ethos envisioned in India’s Constitution. He claimed their actions aim to revive archaic ideologies, disregarding the strides the country has made in modernity, science, and education. “India is a diverse nation built on unity, and the actions of these organizations are eroding the very foundation of our democracy,” Barman asserted.
The MLA accused the BJP-led central government of prioritizing divisive politics over developmental agendas. He criticized what he called the government’s failure to address pressing economic issues such as unemployment and inflation. “Instead of ensuring jobs for the youth and economic stability for families, they are busy creating wedges among communities,” Barman said. He argued that such policies do not serve the nation’s interest but rather a narrow political agenda aimed at sustaining power.
Barman pointed to instances of violence and communal tension in different parts of the country, which he attributed to the ideology propagated by the RSS. He argued that the BJP’s governance model leverages these tensions to polarize voters. He claimed the party’s focus lies not on promoting development but on creating discord, which in turn helps them consolidate electoral gains.
Speaking on the education sector, Barman criticized the recent amendments to school curriculums, alleging that they are aimed at distorting history to suit a particular narrative. He claimed such changes jeopardize the secular and inclusive values the younger generation should inherit. “This systematic rewriting of history erases contributions from marginalized and non-Hindu communities,” he said, adding that it undermines India’s pluralistic identity.
The Congress leader also criticized the Tripura state government, calling its development claims mere propaganda. Barman alleged that while the BJP showcases infrastructural projects and schemes in the media, the ground reality paints a grim picture of unemployment, deteriorating healthcare, and struggling farmers. He challenged the state leadership to address these issues transparently instead of using rhetoric to mislead the public.
Barman further accused the BJP of stifling dissent by using central agencies to intimidate opposition leaders. He alleged that this tactic has created an environment of fear and mistrust in the political landscape. “Democracy thrives on dialogue and debate, but the BJP seeks to suppress any voice that questions their policies,” Barman said.
He urged people to resist what he described as a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism. “The power of the vote is the greatest weapon in a democracy. It is up to the citizens to safeguard the values of equality, justice, and liberty,” Barman said. He called on Tripura’s youth, women, and marginalized communities to unite against divisive forces and demand accountability from their leaders.
The Congress MLA also highlighted the historical struggles of the Indian independence movement, emphasizing the sacrifices made by freedom fighters to secure a sovereign, secular nation. He argued that these sacrifices are being trivialized by attempts to impose majoritarian ideologies. Barman stressed that the only way forward is to adhere to the principles of inclusivity and mutual respect.
BJP leaders dismissed Barman’s remarks as baseless, accusing the Congress of fearmongering to regain political relevance in the state. They argued that the BJP’s development initiatives speak for themselves and that opposition leaders are resorting to personal attacks due to their inability to connect with the electorate.
Despite the counterarguments, Barman’s statements have stirred a debate in Tripura’s political landscape. Many have expressed concerns about the growing polarization in the country, while others have questioned the authenticity of his allegations. As election season approaches, the discourse surrounding such claims will likely intensify, shaping the narratives of Tripura’s political future.
