CM Manik Saha Blames Tipra Motha for Attack on BJP Workers During ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Event

Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has held BJP’s ally, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), responsible for a violent attack on BJP workers in Khowai district on Sunday morning.

The incident took place in Asharambari, a tribal-majority village under the Champahower police station, while party workers had gathered to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

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The attack left at least three people seriously injured and several vehicles damaged. Eyewitnesses and local BJP leaders claimed that armed assailants torched three cars and ten motorcycles belonging to BJP supporters. Tensions quickly escalated as the news spread, drawing strong condemnation from the Chief Minister.

Visiting the injured at GB Pant Hospital in Agartala later in the evening, CM Saha said: “I strongly condemn the violent and undemocratic attack by Tipra Motha party workers during Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi Ji’s Mann Ki Baat programme. Such disgraceful acts will not be tolerated. I have instructed the police to act swiftly and take strict legal action against the culprits.”

However, Tipra Motha has denied any involvement in the violence and alleged that it could be a conspiracy to disrupt the fragile alliance.

“We do not attack our allies. This might be an attempt to create confusion and spoil the coordination within the ruling coalition,” a member of Tipra Motha said, while urging for an impartial investigation.

Khowai Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Kudiarasu confirmed that an FIR has been registered and the matter is under investigation. “Three persons were injured and taken to the local health centre. We are exploring all angles, including local political rivalry,” the officer said, indicating that the clash may not be directly linked to the Mann Ki Baat event.

The BJP and Tipra Motha forged a post-election alliance in early 2023 after the latter emerged as a powerful regional force, especially in tribal-dominated areas. While the partnership brought stability to the coalition government, tensions have occasionally surfaced over governance issues, tribal autonomy demands, and allocation of development funds in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).