CPI(M) state secretary and leader of the opposition, Jitendra Chowdhury, on Wednesday, strongly criticized Tipra Motha workers after they staged a black flag demonstration against him in Ambassa.
Chowdhury was on his way to attend a meeting marking the first death anniversary of CPI(M)’s former general secretary and politburo member Sitaram Yechury when the incident occurred. As his official vehicle entered Ambassa town, a group of Tipra Motha supporters waved black flags, alleging that he had “insulted” the tribal attire ‘Risha’ in a recent public appearance. Despite the protest, Chowdhury’s convoy moved past the barricade without disruption.
Jitendra Denies Allegations of Insulting ‘Risha’
Addressing the media later, Chowdhury rejected the allegations as “baseless,” stressing that he had always promoted the traditional tribal dress Risha. “It was I who introduced wearing the ‘Risha’ on ceremonial occasions. The controversy was manufactured by BJP’s Jana Jati Morcha leader Bipin Debbarma, who falsely accused me of disrespecting it because I had placed a ‘Risha’ behind my chair during a media interaction. It seems Tipra Motha picked up the issue from there,” he said.
Attack on Tipra Motha’s Alliance with BJP
Speaking at Ambassa Town Hall during the memorial program for Yechury, Chowdhury hailed the late leader as the “architect of the INDI alliance” and criticized Tipra Motha for its political decisions. He argued that instead of showing black flags, the party should explain what benefits it secured by allying with the BJP.
“The ADC (Autonomous District Council) under Tipra Motha is in complete disarray. There is rampant corruption, misuse of funds, and no visible development. The very interests of the tribal people they claim to represent have been compromised,” he said.
125th Amendment and ADC Issues
Chowdhury further accused the BJP and Tipra Motha of betraying the tribal community on key constitutional and financial matters. Referring to the 125th Amendment Bill, which aimed to strengthen the ADC, he pointed out that the proposal has remained in limbo for over seven years.
“The BJP government and the Union Home Ministry have kept silent, and Tipra Motha has not raised its voice. A few leaders may have gained personal benefits, but the tribal masses remain stuck in poverty and backwardness. Even the question of adequate fund devolution to ADC is ignored,” Chowdhury said.
Call for Mass Movement
The opposition leader urged CPI(M) workers and supporters to take to the streets with agitation programs on local demands, stressing that the people of Tripura are increasingly frustrated with the ruling BJP. “The political trend is clear—the people want to get rid of the BJP and bring back the Left Front,” he declared.