Agartala, May 27:
Launching a blistering attack on the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Tripura, Leader of Opposition and CPI(M) politburo member Jitendra Chaudhury alleged that criminal activities in the state were flourishing under direct political patronage from ruling party leaders, while the police administration had become ineffective under political pressure.
Speaking to reporters at the CPI(M) state headquarters in Agartala, Chaudhury claimed that the growing nexus between sections of the ruling BJP leadership and criminal elements had pushed the state into a “dangerous and alarming situation.”
“If police stations and officers at subdivision and district levels function under pressure from political bosses, then how will culprits be booked and how can crime be controlled?” he questioned.
The veteran Left leader alleged that several persons arrested in recent criminal cases were linked to the BJP as Morcha or Mandal-level leaders and were politically influential within the ruling establishment.
He also alleged many of the top BJP leaders in Tripura involved with drug trafficking network and so police unable to take action against them.
“The political process of the ruling party itself has become involved in different forms of decline and corruption. Wherever arrests are taking place, it is increasingly seen that those involved are linked with the BJP structure,” he alleged.
Chaudhury also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led Central government over the prevailing economic and international situation, alleging that “wrong foreign policy decisions” and the government’s closeness to the United States and Israel had weakened India’s strategic interests and pushed common people into hardship.
“Because of the BJP government’s wrong policies and Narendra Modi’s decisions, the people of India are suffering today. India failed to protect its interests properly in the global situation,” he claimed.
The CPI(M) state secretary further asserted that the Congress was not necessarily the only political alternative to the BJP in the country, particularly in Tripura.
“In Tripura, many of the present BJP leaders and supporters were earlier in the Congress, and that political shift helped BJP come to power here. The CPI(M) remains the principal opposition force and the real alternative in the state,” he said.
At the same time, Chaudhury reiterated that the CPI(M) remained committed to the broader opposition unity under the INDIA alliance against the BJP at the national level.
He also took an indirect swipe at the Trinamool Congress leadership in West Bengal, saying that parties claiming to oppose the BJP must demonstrate that commitment in practice.
Referring to West Bengal former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress, Chaudhury said political forces opposing the BJP must prove through their actions that they are genuinely fighting the saffron party.
“The BJP has to be stopped not only in West Bengal but across the country. Any party claiming to oppose the BJP must establish that through its political role and conduct,” he said.
