Agartala: Tripura Leader of Opposition on Wednesday criticised Chief Minister Manik Saha over his recent remarks linking incidents of violence to the CPI(M), and demanded a comprehensive probe into all cases of post-poll unrest in the state since 2018.
Addressing a press conference, Chaudhury, who is also the state secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), alleged that incidents of violence have followed every major election after the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in Tripura.
He claimed that houses, rubber plantations and business establishments belonging to opposition supporters were attacked and looted during this period, resulting in large-scale damage to property and livelihoods.
“The biggest culprit of post-poll violence is the Chief Minister. When he was president of the BJP, many opposition workers were attacked. These facts cannot be concealed,” Chaudhury alleged.
He further claimed that thousands of houses were damaged and properties worth several lakhs and crores of rupees destroyed, while many individuals were physically assaulted. According to him, several incidents allegedly took place in the presence of police personnel, but no effective action followed despite FIRs being lodged.
The CPI(M) leader said his party had submitted detailed lists of such incidents, along with names of alleged accused persons, to the authorities. He also alleged repeated attacks on party offices, including its state headquarters.
Referring to the recent violence following the TTAADC polls, Chaudhury said his party does not endorse attacks on BJP workers but claimed that the provocation originated from the ruling party. He also criticised the Chief Minister for blaming CPI(M) for the unrest.
He demanded that the government institute an impartial investigation into all incidents of post-poll violence and ensure compensation and relief for affected families, besides calling for action against those responsible irrespective of political affiliation.
