Tripura Congress President flags rise in Law and Order issue, urges CM for immediate action

Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President Ashish Kumar Saha has written a letter to Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha raising a serious concerns over the “alarming deterioration” of law and order in the state, accusing a section of ruling BJP of patronizing anti-social elements and suppressing democratic rights.

In the letter to Dr Saha, the Congress leader demanded immediate and strict police action to restore peace and democracy in the state.

Referring to the aftermath of the 2018 Assembly elections, Saha alleged that while the people had voted for change by electing the BJP to power, the expectations of good governance were quickly shattered.

“Soon after the new government was formed, with direct or indirect support from ministers, MLAs and party leaders, the democratic rights of people were trampled upon,” Saha wrote.

He further alleged that political violence became the norm, with opposition party activities obstructed, offices occupied, and even elected representatives subjected to physical assault. 

“The infamous bike brigade unleashed terror across the state, allegedly under the protection of the government,” he said, adding that the police administration had become a “blind puppet.”

Saha lamented that the people’s hopes were briefly revived when the BJP high command replaced the former Chief Minister and handed over the reins to Dr. Manik Saha. 

“There was a renewed belief that democratic governance might return. But even under your leadership, the situation remains unchanged,” the Congress leader wrote, accusing the administration of failing to prevent rigging and violence during recent by-elections.

He pointed to the recent attack on the official residence of Congress MLA and AICC Congress Working Committee member Sudip Roy Barman as a glaring example of lawlessness. 

“Such acts reflect the audacity of anti-social elements who continue to operate with impunity under the shelter of the ruling party,” he stated.

Saha warned that provocative remarks from former leaders and inaction from the administration are eroding public confidence. 

“This could very well be a ploy to tarnish your political image, and we urge you to act decisively,” he said.

The TPCC has urged the Chief Minister to crack down on the "Frankensteins" allegedly nurtured by the ruling dispensation and to take strong police action in the interest of restoring a healthy and democratic political environment in the state.