Agartala: The Tripura Assembly was thrown into chaos on Tuesday as CPI(M) lawmakers staged a protest demanding an apology from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath for allegedly making racist remarks against Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury.
The controversy erupted after Nath made the comment during Chaudhury’s speech on Monday.
As the Question Hour concluded, CPI(M) MLA Shyamal Chakraborty called for an immediate apology from the minister.
However, Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen proceeded with the session, prompting CPI(M) MLAs to storm the Well of the House, chanting slogans and insisting that Nath apologise for his words.
Nath responded, claiming that he never intended to insult or hurt the opposition leader’s tribe.
Despite his clarification, the Speaker did not address the opposition’s demand, leading to the CPI(M) lawmakers walking out in protest.
In response, Chaudhury moved a privilege motion against Nath, accusing him of making “derogatory and racist remarks” during his address.
In a letter to the Speaker, Chaudhury stated, “Under Rule-173 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Tripura Legislative Assembly, I intend to lodge a Privilege Motion against Shri Ratan Lal Nath, Hon’ble Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, for passing highly derogatory and racist comments.
His statement—’Jiten babu has demonstrated his tribe’—was not only abusive but racial, targeting myself, my family, and my community.”
Chaudhury further argued that Nath’s remarks were a clear breach of privilege and occurred while he was discussing the Budget in the Assembly.
