Agartala: Mar 26: In protest against what they claimed was a violation of the Constitution by the Speaker, Left legislators staged a demonstration at the foot of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s statue on the Tripura Assembly premises. The protest was sparked by opposition leader Jitendra Choudhury’s allegations that Tripura Assembly Speaker Bishwabandhu Sen had abused his power to shield Parliamentary Minister Ratan Lal Nath from accountability.
Choudhury, speaking to the press, accused the Speaker of failing to respond to a breach of privilege motion filed against Minister Nath regarding controversial remarks related to identity. Choudhury pointed out that despite the motion being submitted, the Speaker had not taken action until the previous evening. He further alleged that Minister Nath had remained in the assembly until 11 PM the previous night, attempting to manipulate certain documents. According to Choudhury, the Speaker’s actions were designed to protect the minister and undermine democratic principles, as he had apparently received a counter-motion from Nath regarding the breach of privilege.
Choudhury’s criticism extended to the broader political climate in the state, accusing the ruling BJP government of “murdering democracy” in the assembly. He condemned the ruling party for creating a “tainted chapter” in the current budget session, claiming that the opposition’s voices were being suppressed under the Speaker’s leadership. The opposition’s decision to boycott the session was framed as a direct response to this alleged undermining of democratic values in the Tripura Assembly.
The protest highlighted the growing tension between the ruling BJP and the opposition, with the Speaker’s actions now at the center of this escalating political conflict. The opposition’s decision to boycott the session is seen as a strong message against what they perceive as an attack on the integrity of the legislative process.
