Political differences within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have come under renewed focus in Dharmanagar, North Tripura, following a series of incidents involving party workers, local supporters and an ABVP-led student protest against Barnali Goswami, wife of Dharmanagar MLA Jahar Chakraborty.
The developments have brought allegations of internal rivalry and confrontation within the ruling party to the forefront, with separate incidents being reported in the constituency over the past two days.
The latest controversy began with a protest at Dharmanagar Government Degree College, where members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) raised “Go Back” slogans against Barnali Goswami after she arrived at the campus. The protesters said they were seeking solutions to issues including teacher shortages, drinking-water facilities and alleged interruptions to regular academic activities.
Students also reportedly objected to programmes involving people from outside the institution being organised on the college premises. According to the protesters, memoranda had earlier been submitted to the authorities over these concerns, but they claimed that adequate action had not followed.
The situation reportedly became tense when Goswami reached the college. Local journalists said the students had expected the MLA to address their grievances and were surprised by Goswami’s presence, following which the protesters raised slogans demanding that she leave the campus.
The controversy subsequently appeared to move into the political sphere, with allegations of clashes between rival groups of BJP workers in and around the party's district office in Dharmanagar.
According to allegations circulating locally, a person considered close to the Dharmanagar MLA was allegedly assaulted by BJP workers, with a Mandal-level leader also being named in connection with the allegations. It has further been alleged that the MLA intervened during the confrontation to rescue his associate.
Counter-allegations have also emerged, with claims that supporters linked to another faction were attacked inside the BJP district office. Names such as Munna Pal, Mihir and Nabarun have surfaced in accounts circulating locally. However, these allegations have not been independently verified, and the naming of individuals does not establish their involvement or responsibility for any alleged assault.
The student protest has also become part of the wider controversy. Following Tuesday's demonstration, allegations emerged that the father of an ABVP student leader who participated in the “Go Back” protest was allegedly assaulted while travelling on the road. The allegations have been directed towards persons described locally as being associated with the BJP, but these claims too remain unverified.
The sequence of events has intensified discussion over factional differences within the BJP's Dharmanagar organisation. What began as a student protest over college-related grievances has now expanded into allegations involving rival groups within the ruling party and people associated with the local political leadership.
With competing allegations being raised from different sides, the incidents have also prompted demands from sections of the public and political circles for a police investigation and action against those found responsible for any violence.
