A protest erupted in Tripura as a group of youths waved black flags in front of the residences of CPIM MLA Jitendra Chaudhury and Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman. The protest followed demands for an apology from Minister Sudhangshu Das over a controversial social media post. The post, which Minister Das later deleted, centered around the issue of temple protection and has since stirred political tensions in the state.
The protesters, angered by the perceived silence of opposition leaders, sought to bring attention to what they called a deliberate attempt to ignore an important issue concerning the sentiments of the people. They accused both the CPIM and Congress of failing to respond adequately to Minister Das’s remarks, which, despite being deleted, continue to resonate within the political landscape of Tripura.
The post by Minister Das, which suggested that the protection of temples was being undermined, quickly gained attention online before it was taken down. Opposition leaders and various social groups demanded clarity and an apology from the minister, accusing him of inflaming communal sentiments. Das, on the other hand, issued no formal apology, leading to a wave of protests across the state.
The youth protesters, many of whom were visibly agitated, called on both Chaudhury and Barman to take a firm stand against the minister’s post. Chanting slogans and waving black flags, they positioned themselves in front of the MLAs’ homes, demanding accountability. One protester stated that they would continue their demonstrations until the opposition leaders addressed their concerns publicly.
This protest has further intensified the ongoing political climate in Tripura, where the BJP, CPIM, and Congress have been locked in bitter battles over multiple issues. With the BJP in power, opposition parties have struggled to challenge the ruling government effectively. This latest incident has provided a new flashpoint for political conflict, as each party attempts to sway public opinion in their favor.
Jitendra Chaudhury and Sudip Roy Barman, both seasoned political figures, have responded cautiously to the protests. While neither has outright condemned the post, they acknowledged the youth movement and called for restraint. Chaudhury, in a statement to the press, said, “I understand the anger, and the concerns raised by the youth should not be dismissed. However, we must approach these matters calmly and not allow them to spiral into chaos.”
Meanwhile, Barman urged for a broader conversation around religious issues in Tripura. He stated, “The topic of temple protection is important, but it must be addressed within the framework of law and order. Resorting to street protests will not solve the issue.”
While these responses have managed to cool some tensions, the youth-led protests continue to gain momentum. What began as a small demonstration has now spread to other parts of the state, with social media amplifying the movement. Many protestors have taken to various platforms to voice their displeasure at what they view as a lack of accountability from their political representatives.
The controversy has also drawn the attention of local religious groups, some of whom have weighed in on the debate. While a few have supported the minister’s post, claiming that temple protection is a valid concern, others have distanced themselves from the issue, urging calm and dialogue.
Minister Das has remained relatively quiet since deleting the post. His office has yet to release a formal statement addressing the protests or the demands for an apology. However, some BJP leaders have privately defended the minister, suggesting that the post was taken out of context and that the opposition is using the situation to score political points.
The ongoing protests, and the political reactions they have sparked, highlight the deep divisions within Tripura’s political landscape. With religious and cultural issues increasingly taking center stage, the state’s leaders are under pressure to navigate these sensitive matters carefully. Whether the protests will lead to meaningful dialogue or further escalate tensions remains to be seen.
For now, the youth protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until Minister Das issues a formal apology or opposition leaders take a stronger stand. Tripura, already on edge, watches closely as this latest political drama unfolds.