Tripura Animal Resources Development, Fisheries and SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and senior CPI(M) leaders in Tripura over their alleged absence from Durga Puja celebrations this year. In a video message issued on Bijoya Dashami, Das questioned whether prominent opposition leaders had participated in the festivities and accused them of showing indifference towards Hindu Sanatan Dharma. He also referred to Rahul Gandhi’s reported visit to Vietnam during the Navaratri and Durga Puja period. The minister urged Hindu supporters of the Congress and Left parties to question their leaders about their participation in religious celebrations.
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Key Facts
- Minister: Sudhangshu Das
- State: Tripura
- Political leaders criticised: Rahul Gandhi and senior CPI(M) leaders
- Occasion: Bijoya Dashami
- Main issue: Alleged absence of opposition leaders from Durga Puja celebrations
- Source of remarks: Video message issued by the minister
- Minister’s appeal: Hindu supporters should seek clarification from their party leaders
Sudhangshu Das Questions Opposition Leaders’ Participation
In his Bijoya Dashami message, Sudhangshu Das questioned the alleged absence of prominent Congress and CPI(M) leaders from Durga Puja pandals this year.
He claimed that people across the country had participated in prayers and rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga, while several opposition leaders were not visibly present at the celebrations.
Das said he had checked the social media accounts of the leaders but could not find evidence of their participation in Durga Puja rituals. However, the absence of such posts does not independently establish whether the leaders attended any celebrations.
The minister challenged the opposition leaders to clarify their positions and provide information about their participation in the festivities.
Rahul Gandhi’s Vietnam Visit Draws Criticism
Das also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his reported visit to Vietnam during the Navaratri and Durga Puja period.
He questioned the timing of the visit and linked it to his broader criticism of the Congress party’s approach towards Hindu religious traditions.
In addition, the minister alleged that senior CPI(M) leaders in Tripura had not publicly demonstrated their participation in the celebrations.
These remarks formed part of Das’s political criticism of the opposition. The allegations reflect the minister’s views and do not independently establish the religious beliefs or practices of the leaders concerned.
Minister Appeals to Hindu Congress and Left Supporters
Das urged Hindu supporters and workers associated with the Congress and CPI(M) to ask their respective leaders why they were allegedly absent from Durga Puja celebrations.
He claimed that the parties’ political positions raised questions about their approach towards Sanatan Dharma and Hindu traditions. He also called on supporters to reconsider their political associations in light of these concerns.
The minister said his message was intended not only as political criticism but also to raise awareness about what he described as the opposition parties’ attitude towards Hindu religious practices.
However, the opposition leaders’ responses to these specific allegations were not included in the information provided.
Durga Puja and Its Significance in Tripura
Durga Puja is one of the major religious and cultural festivals celebrated in Tripura, with communities gathering at pandals for prayers, rituals and cultural programmes. The festival also plays an important role in the state’s public and social life.
Political leaders often participate in festival events and exchange greetings with the public. However, participation in religious celebrations alone does not establish a leader’s broader political or ideological position.
Das concluded his video message by extending Bijoya Dashami greetings to the people and praying for peace, prosperity and well-being under the blessings of Goddess Durga.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who criticised Rahul Gandhi and CPI(M) leaders over Durga Puja?
Tripura minister Sudhangshu Das criticised them in a video message issued on Bijoya Dashami.
2. What did Sudhangshu Das allege?
He alleged that prominent Congress and Left leaders had not visibly participated in Durga Puja celebrations this year.
3. Why did he mention Rahul Gandhi’s Vietnam visit?
Das questioned Gandhi’s reported visit during the Navaratri and Durga Puja period.
4. What did the minister ask Hindu supporters to do?
He urged Hindu supporters of the Congress and CPI(M) to question their leaders about their alleged absence from the festivities.
5. What message did Das share at the end?
He extended Bijoya Dashami greetings and wished people peace, prosperity and well-being.
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