Agartala, October 17: Strongly criticising the BJP-led state government over the alleged use of a section of surrendered insurgents for electoral gains, Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) State Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury accused Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha of encouraging a political environment in which road blockades and strikes disrupt public life. He alleged that some former insurgents become active whenever elections approach, creating public inconvenience in pursuit of financial benefits, and held the Chief Minister directly responsible for the situation. Chaudhury condemned the ongoing 72-hour protest, urging those involved to refrain from activities that cause hardship to ordinary people, particularly during the festive season.
Chaudhury made these remarks while addressing a programme organised to mark the 107th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of India (CPI), observed on October 17.
Recalling the historical significance of the day, he said the Communist movement had played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence, with thousands of revolutionaries making sacrifices in the fight against British colonial rule. He said the British administration had closely monitored Communist activities and attempted to suppress the movement through conspiracy cases, including those in Peshawar, Meerut and Kanpur.
According to Chaudhury, the CPI was formally founded in Tashkent in 1919 by Indian revolutionaries and intellectuals, including M.N. Roy, S.A. Dange, Shaukat Usmani and Muzaffar Ahmad. The CPI(M), which emerged from the Communist movement following the party’s split in 1964, continues to uphold the movement’s legacy, he said.
Drawing a parallel between the colonial period and the present political situation, Chaudhury alleged that the RSS and BJP were pursuing efforts to weaken Communist forces. He also accused the Narendra Modi-led central government of undermining the secular, democratic, pluralistic and federal principles enshrined in the Constitution.
He further alleged that the ruling establishment was attempting to influence the Election Commission of India to retain political power, calling upon party workers to defend constitutional values and the country’s democratic framework.
Turning to the situation in Tripura, Chaudhury clarified that he was not blaming all surrendered insurgents. Many, he acknowledged, had genuinely returned to mainstream life and were now engaged in politics, agriculture or family responsibilities.
However, he alleged that a section of former insurgents was being mobilised by the BJP whenever elections approached. Referring to the ongoing 72-hour protest, he suggested that some participants might be seeking additional financial concessions after exhausting benefits received under earlier rehabilitation packages.
Chaudhury further alleged that assurances involving senior district officials and ministers had encouraged the protesters to stage demonstrations at a designated location. These claims, however, were presented as his allegations.
Condemning road blockades and shutdowns that affect ordinary citizens, the Opposition leader said such actions were unacceptable and could provoke public resentment. He appealed to those involved to abandon disruptive methods and pursue their demands without causing hardship to the people.
Concluding his address, Chaudhury reiterated that the CPI(M) would continue to oppose what it considers anti-democratic political practices and remain committed to protecting constitutional principles and the rights of ordinary citizens.