'Congress Suspects Ploy To Turn Tripura Into Second Manipur': Gaurav Gogoi On Panchayat Poll Violence

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi visited violence-affected Tripura, condemning the BJP's "terror tactics." He warned against turning Tripura into a "second Manipur" and vowed to prevent it.

Tripura Panchayat Elections 2024: Senior Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi stressed on Friday that his party would prevent Tripura, currently troubled by violence surrounding the panchayat elections, from becoming another Manipur. Gogoi, who serves as the deputy leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, led a delegation to the violence-affected regions of the state. "The Congress firmly stands with its leaders, workers, and the people of Tripura during these difficult times. The Congress will not bow down to the terror tactics of the BJP," he stated during a press conference at the party's state headquarters in Agartala, as quoted by news agency PTI.

Gogoi emphasised the gravity of the situation, saying, "We will inform the party high command what we saw in Tripura during our two-day visit. PM Narendra Modi is saying that India is the mother of democracy but what we saw here is nothing short of the murder of democracy."

He further expressed concerns about a potential plot to destabilise Tripura, akin to the recent turmoil in Manipur. He said the Congress suspected a ploy to turn Tripura into a second Manipur, but it won't let that happen. "We will raise the issue of violence in Tripura, injustice, and threat to democracy in the upcoming Budget session of Parliament," Gogoi assured, as per PTI.

He also took to X and wrote, "Tripura is currently witnessing a breakdown of democracy. Leaders and cadres of the BJP have unleashed unimaginable violence against 
@INCIndia workers and supporters. Homes have been gutted, property vandalised, innocents arbitrarily arrested. Even children are not spared from assault. The stories from the ground are disturbing and heart-wrenching. The blatant and shocking misuse pf power is being overlooked by the authorities. There is an urgent need for intervention and action."

Candidates Unable To File Nominations For Tripura Panchayat Polls: Senior Congress MP Tariq Anwar

Senior Congress MP Tariq Anwar criticised the state's deteriorating law and order situation. "Constitutional provisions are being ignored, with candidates unable to file nominations for the panchayat polls. We met Governor N Indrasena Reddy and shared our concerns over the violence in the state. We expect the governor to do the needful," he said.

Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman highlighted the impact of the violence on the electoral process, noting that at least 3,383 party candidates could not file their nominations. "We gave prior information to the police to provide security to our candidates so that they could submit their nomination papers, but the police did not help," he alleged, as quoted by PTI. Roy Barman himself was attacked near Tepania RD Block in Gomati district on Thursday while escorting Congress candidates to file their nomination papers, resulting in injuries to at least three party leaders.

He also questioned the judicial response, pointing out, "There are three judges in the Tripura High Court who are sons of the soil. If Calcutta High Court could issue a suo motu notice over a similar kind of violence, why can't our high court do the same?"

The panchayat elections in Tripura are scheduled for August 8.