The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly politicizing Risa, Tripura’s traditional handwoven garment and cultural pride. The Left accused the ruling party of reducing the sacred attire into a political gimmick to divert public attention from its failures.
Risa: More Than Just a Garment
According to the CPIM, Risa is not merely a piece of cloth but a symbol of identity, heritage, and respect for the indigenous communities of Tripura. The Left claimed that the tradition of using Risa in official functions, cultural programs, and public events dates back to the Left Front government era.
The CPIM highlighted that it was under the Left regime that Risa received exposure on national and international platforms, earning recognition as a cultural emblem of Tripura. The party insisted that it never misused Risa for vote politics, unlike the BJP, which is now allegedly using it to cover up administrative failures.
Social Media Counterattack
In a strongly worded post on its official Facebook page, the CPIM stated:
“Falsehood can never suppress truth. We never used Risa as a political tool. The BJP, after failing in governance, is now dragging Risa into its political drama through its Janajati Morcha.”
The party also shared archival photographs from 2010 onwards, showing the use of Risa during several events under Left leadership. According to CPIM, these images prove that respect for Risa has long existed, and its significance has always been upheld without reducing it to an election tool.
Controversy Over Photographs
The political spat intensified when a BJP Janajati Morcha leader circulated an old photo showing state secretary Jitendra Chowdhury sitting on a chair with a Risa draped across its back. Supporters of BJP’s Janajati Morcha allegedly protested against Chowdhury near Nailafa Bari in Ambassa, blocking his car while he was en route to a party meeting.
However, the controversy backfired when another image surfaced on social media showing BJP Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma sitting in his office chair with a Risa draped in a similar fashion. The CPIM used this instance to highlight BJP’s double standards and accused it of hypocrisy.
CPIM’s Call for Respect
Commenting on the issue, the CPIM remarked on Facebook:
“To value something requires intellect. That was present in the past. Today’s rulers only indulge in gimmicks around our traditional art, with no true respect for its meaning.”
The Left has urged the BJP to stop dragging Tripura’s traditional symbols into cheap political controversies and instead uphold the dignity of Risa as a cultural emblem that belongs to the people, not to political parties.