Agartala, July 27:
A violent attack during the broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 124th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday has escalated tensions between the ruling BJP and its alliance partner Tipra Motha in Tripura.
The incident occurred in Khowai district’s Asharambari area, leaving seven BJP workers injured, two of them seriously, and several vehicles damaged.
According to BJP tribal leader and general secretary Bipin Debbarma, allegedly a group of Tipra Motha supporters armed with sticks, sharp weapons, and even firearms launched the unprovoked attack on BJP workers and supporters who had gathered to listen to the Prime Minister’s monthly radio programme.
Debbarma added that the assailants not only vandalized two-wheelers and four-wheelers belonging to BJP members but also issued threats, claiming that ‘Mann Ki Baat’ will not be allowed in TTAADC areas and that only Tipra Motha slogans could be raised.
“The attack was brutal and appeared to be aimed at eliminating BJP Mandal leaders in Asharambari. It was nothing short of an attempt to murder,” said Debbarma.
He confirmed that the incident has been reported to senior BJP leadership, including Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, and demanded immediate legal action against the perpetrators.
The injured were rushed to Khowai District Hospital, where they received medical attention. Two victims reportedly sustained serious head injuries.
The incident comes amid growing friction between the BJP and Tipra Motha, despite their alliance in governance.
Recent disagreements over issues such as illegal immigration, electoral roll revision, unfulfilled assurances of Tiprasa Accord, governance strategies have strained their partnership, with Sunday’s violence further exposing the widening cracks within the coalition.
No official statement has yet been issued by Tipra Motha in response to the allegations.
