Tripura Minister faces backlash over controversial social media post; LoP urges Guv’s action

Tripura’s Minister for Scheduled Caste Welfare, Sudhangsu Das, has come under fire for a controversial social media post that has been deemed ‘derogatory’ and ‘communal’ by opposition leaders. 

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Jitendra Chaudhury has formally written to Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, urging immediate intervention against the minister’s remarks, which he claims could incite communal discord.

In his letter, Chaudhury alleged that the minister’s statements, posted on his official Facebook page, not only disparaged national and regional political parties but also posed a direct threat to communal harmony. He emphasized that such rhetoric, particularly from a senior minister, undermines the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

The post in question, shared by Minister Das, compared opposition parties like the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and the Left to the oppressive reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, accusing them of promoting “Islamic brutality, fanaticism, dacoity, uncivilized barbarism, and bestial violence.” The statement has sparked outrage, with critics arguing that it could incite religious tensions in the state.

Chaudhury pointed out that this is not the first time Minister Das has made such inflammatory statements on social media. According to him, the minister has a history of posting divisive content, which raises concerns about his commitment to constitutional values. “A person with such a mindset should have no place in a democratic government that upholds secularism and social harmony,” he stated.

The LoP further described the minister’s actions as unconstitutional and criminal in nature, arguing that public figures who take an oath to safeguard the Constitution should not indulge in inciting communal hatred. 

He called upon the Governor to take immediate and appropriate action to ensure that the state government remains inclusive and that all citizens, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, feel safe under its administration.