The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tripura has strongly criticised the Congress party’s ongoing ‘Save Constitution’ campaign, calling it a political gimmick filled with hypocrisy. Addressing media in Agartala, BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee said that the Congress, which once undermined democratic institutions during the Emergency, has no moral authority to now claim itself as a guardian of the Constitution.
Bhattacharjee claimed the Congress party had a history of weakening democratic structures, and accused the party of politicising constitutional values for electoral gain. He said the BJP has always upheld constitutional provisions and worked to ensure inclusive development while Congress is trying to rewrite history for short-term political mileage.
The BJP also targeted the Communist Party of India (Marxist), urging its leaders to reflect on their governance track record and publicly atone. “CPIM leaders should first cleanse their sins in the Ganga before preaching to others about democracy,” Bhattacharjee said, referencing allegations of violence and suppression during Left rule in the state.
He alleged that during CPIM’s tenure, the voices of the opposition were routinely suppressed and people had lived under fear. According to the BJP, both Congress and CPIM are trying to revive their relevance by joining hands but the people of Tripura haven’t forgotten the era of misrule under either party.
Reacting to the criticism, Bhattacharjee also pointed out that the Congress has failed to present any coherent vision for the state and is merely riding on slogans. He questioned the intent behind launching the campaign in Tripura, where, according to him, constitutional governance is intact and thriving under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He highlighted the initiatives taken under the BJP-led government in Tripura, especially in infrastructure, law and order, and social security, stating that these reflect real constitutional values in action rather than hollow political statements. The people of Tripura, he said, are more aware now and will not fall for “emotional manipulation.”
The BJP spokesperson added that the ruling party’s focus remains on development and good governance, while the opposition is engaged in a blame game. He accused both Congress and CPIM of trying to provoke unrest and disturb the peace in the state under the guise of safeguarding democracy.
Bhattacharjee also referenced recent outreach efforts made by the state government, including direct benefit transfers, housing schemes, and infrastructure projects, saying these measures prove that the BJP believes in delivering justice and equality as envisioned in the Constitution.
He warned voters to remain cautious of what he described as a desperate alliance between Congress and CPIM. “This unholy alliance has no agenda other than clinging to political survival,” he said, adding that people would reject them in the upcoming elections just as they have in the past.
Political observers in the state note that the BJP’s aggressive response signals its intent to maintain political dominance and neutralise opposition efforts to regain lost ground. With Tripura heading into another election cycle, both ruling and opposition camps are stepping up rhetoric to energise their respective bases.
Meanwhile, state BJP leaders are expected to hold a series of public meetings across various districts to counter the opposition’s campaign and showcase what they call “real constitutional empowerment through delivery of services and development.”
The political heat is likely to intensify in the coming weeks as both the Congress and CPIM plan to organise joint programmes, despite their long history of rivalry. BJP leaders, however, remain confident that the electorate in Tripura will continue to back the current administration.
As the state prepares for a crucial phase in its political journey, the war of words is expected to escalate, with each party attempting to position itself as the true custodian of the Constitution and democracy.
