Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has blamed ally Tipra Motha for a violent attack on BJP workers in the Khowai district and directed the police to take swift and strict action against those responsible.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning in Asharambari, a tribal-dominated village under the Champahower police station, while BJP members had gathered to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat address.
The attack left several party workers injured and triggered a political row in the state.
Visiting the injured at GB Pant Hospital in Agartala late Sunday, Saha strongly condemned the incident.
“I strongly condemn the violent and undemocratic attack by Tipra Motha party workers during Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi Ji’s Mann Ki Baat programme.
Such disgraceful acts will not be tolerated,” the chief minister stated in a Facebook post.
He confirmed three injured workers were being treated and assured them of the best medical care.
The Tipra Motha, which shares power in the BJP-led state government, has denied any involvement in the attack.
Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, a senior Tipra Motha leader, distanced the party from the violence, suggesting it could be a “conspiracy” to strain relations within the alliance.
“We do not attack our allies’ leaders or workers. There might be attempts to create confusion,” he said.
According to the police, the attack was likely the result of internal political rivalry, not directly linked to the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme.
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“An FIR has been registered, and investigations are ongoing. No arrests have been made so far,” said Khowai SDPO Kudiarasu, adding that three people were injured and taken to a nearby health centre.
BJP Janajati Morcha general secretary Bipin Debbarma claimed the number of injured was at least seven.
Police also reported that three cars and ten motorcycles belonging to BJP workers were torched during the attack.
The incident has added strain to the already delicate alliance between the BJP and Tipra Motha, as the state gears up for key political battles ahead.
