Tripura: Proposed BJP office set on fire, tension arises ahead of ADC polls

As the already deferred ADC elections were drawing nearer, things have taken a political turn, specifically, surrounding IPFT in Tripura. At least, the series of political tensions prevailing in areas where the junior ally of the ruling alliance dominates, indicate the same.

In the latest incident on Wednesday, tension prevailed between BJP and IPFT, the ruling allies, centering inauguration of a new BJP party office at Khumulwng, Tripura.

The designated BJP party office at Khumulwng’s old degree college area in Tripura was reduced to ashes allegedly by the IPFT supporters, and other relevant arrangements, such as makeshift stages, poles for flag hoisting etc. were vandalized in broad daylight. Sources said that the attack was launched to foil a big joining programme of the BJP, which was scheduled to take place on Thursday.

However, the incident triggered massive resentment among the local BJP leaders and simmering tension began to brew. Activists of both the parties also started to gather in the area and it was the local police in Tripura, which intervened and succeeded to disperse the mob assuring action against the culprits.

It had been also reported that for a certain period supporters of both the parties laid siege surrounding the area and no one was allowed to enter. It was the police, fire tenders vehicles that were allowed to enter, and the tension reduced henceforth.

Also read: Tripura: 2 months no stipend, AGMC interns suspend services

“A big chunk of IPFT’s support base had decided to join the saffron fold. The party which was suffering from serious inner-fights after a number of influential leaders like Ananta Debbarma deserted the party was struggling to keep its vote bank intact. The ADC polls in Tripura were very crucial for them and if they fail to secure a decent number like Lok Sabha polls, the party will be nowhere to be remembered”, Sources said.

“A building was set on fire this morning by some miscreants. Later, it was revealed that the building was to be converted into a BJP party office on Thursday. Centering the issue, party workers of BJP and IPFT began to gather in the area and the situation turned highly volatile. The police and Fire service team rushed to the spot and tackled the boiling situation”, an on-duty police official of Rdhapur police station said, adding that they had been informed and sought prior permission of a political programme scheduled to take place on the very next day.

Tripura BJP spokesperson, Nabendu Bhattacharjee said, “Our party office has been attacked by politically motivated miscreants. We have urged our party workers to stay calm and wait for the police action. The police are also informed by us to take necessary action against the people involved in such activities”.

However, no one from the IPFT could be contacted to comment on the issue after repeated attempts. Some calls remained unanswered whereas some phones were kept in switched off mode. However, similar problems had emerged in Takarjala where a BJP’s organizational meeting was attacked and some other parts of the state. Almost in a similar fashion, CPIM party offices were burnt and attacked before the 2018 assembly elections in the hills.

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