Controversial remarks by MLA Sudip Roy Barman, sparks BJP protest in Agartala

A major political controversy erupted in Tripura after senior Congress leader and MLA Sudip Roy Barman made an alleged provocative remark against BJP d=leaders during a conference of Congress’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) cell at Ambassa town hall on Tuesday.

Addressing Tuesday's gathering at Ambassa, Sudip Roy Barman accused BJP leaders of “urinating on the bodies of tribals”, which has drawn sharp criticism and outrage from the ruling party. Which has triggered a massive reaction among BJP Janajati Morcha and in response, they on Wednesday morning organized a massive protest in front of the official residence of Congress MLA at Old MLA Hostels in Agartala.

Hundreds of BJP Janajati Morcha staged the protest in the front gate of MLA Hostel raising slogans against Roy Barman.

While in presence of large-number of security forces, Janajati Morcha activists allegedly broke the hostel gate and entered into hostel premises raising slogans against Roy Barman. During their protest activists vandalized some plastic chairs near the gate and broke the Iron Gate also.

Amidst escalating tension, police forces after a brief scuffle with them, control the situation. Police have tightened the security arrangements around the MLA’s residence to prevent further escalation.

This incident has added fuel to the heated political environment in the state, especially concerning issues related to the tribal sentiments and their political representations.

Meanwhile, Congress sources said that MLA Sudip Roy Barman on Wednesday evening filed an FIR at West Agartala police station against some Janajati Morcha leaders and demanded proper investigation.