Agartala, August 22:
Political tensions in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) escalated on Saturday with an attack on a BJP party office allegedly by its alliance partner Tipra Motha supporters at Khumulwng, where several vehicles were vandalised, raising fresh concerns over violence ahead of the forthcoming Village Committee elections.
The incident occurred in the late afternoon at the BJP office in Khumulwng, the headquarters of the TTAADC. According to preliminary inputs, around 12 motorcycles and two cars were damaged in the alleged attack. No casualty has been reported so far.
The incident comes at a politically sensitive juncture as the ruling BJP and its alliance partner, the Tipra Motha Party, have yet to resolve differences over seat-sharing and the alliance arrangement for the Village Committee polls. Leaders of both parties have been making repeated visits to New Delhi for discussions with the BJP central leadership.
The alleged vandalism has triggered tension in and around Khumulwng, with security forces deployed in strength in the area. Allegations have surfaced against supporters of the ruling Tipra Motha, though there has been no independent confirmation of the identity of those responsible.
The development has also revived concerns about a repeat of political clashes witnessed during the previous TTAADC elections, particularly as campaigning and preparations for the Village Committee elections gather momentum.
When Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha was asked about the Khumulwng incident, he said he was not aware of the details and was seeking information about what had happened.
The incident assumes significance as the BJP and Tipra Motha, despite being partners in the state government, continue to face political differences over the forthcoming Village Committee elections and the broader functioning of the tribal council.
