Tripura: Are Forces Within BJP Trying to Destabilise Manik Saha Govt?

Reported by Pinaki Das | Copy edited by Lipika Roy

Is there a discord within the BJP in Tripura? Are there elements within the government that are working against Chief Minister Manik Saha?

Well, the recent arson and violence at Ranir Bazar in West Tripura has raised several questions as it took place just after the devastating floods in the state.

Speaking exclusively to Northeast Live, Tipra Motha founder and Royal Scion Pradyot Debbarma has raised concerns about potential internal elements within the BJP government that might be working to destabilize and tarnish the image of Chief Minister Manik Saha.

Debbarma emphasized that while CM Saha faces significant challenges, he must take strong action in these turbulent times. He suggested that the general public may not fully understand the complexities and internal conflicts that could be affecting the chief minister’s efficacy.

“There may be elements within the government which want to stabilise and hurt the image of the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister has his own challenges. He should take strong action because the general public does not know and when such communal incidents take place, then it is better for the Chief Minister to be a Chief Minister for all whether it’s tribal, non-travel, Hindu, Muslim, Christian. You are the Chief Minister of the whole of Tripura. There is a section of society which wants to portray the person on top as a person who is siding with one community over another, which I do not think is the case, but then the Chief Minister will have to take protective steps to make sure, what I know is portrait to the people as well,” said Debbarma.

Significantly, Pradyot Debbarma also said that the recent violence in Ranir Bazar is politically motivated and could be part of a larger conspiracy.

Debbarma emphasized that while Tripura, being a predominantly Hindu state, should indeed protect and cherish its spiritual heritage, it is equally important to avoid overreaction to isolated incidents.

“What happened in Ranir Bazar is politically motivated. It was not spontaneous. Violence in the name of religion, whether it is majority or minority, is something that I find very painful. You may be a Christian, Hindu or Muslim, but I believe Tripura being a largely Hindu state should preserve our faith and protect our spirituality. We should also not get over reactive. Now that entire incident happened where an idol was desecrated whoever did it whether he is a Muslim, Christian, Buddhist or Hindu should be arrested,” Debbarma added.