The Tripura unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to launch a public mobilisation programme in Agartala on October 31, seeking to defend the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and counter criticism from Opposition parties.
The rally, to be held under the slogan “Save Democracy, End Autocracy”, is expected to form part of the party’s broader political outreach ahead of the upcoming electoral contests in the state.
The programme was discussed at a meeting held at the State Guest House on Tuesday, attended by State BJP president and MLA Abhishek Debroy, organisational general secretary Ravindra Raju, Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharya, state ministers, MLAs and other senior party leaders.
Speaking after the meeting, Debroy accused the Opposition of attempting to create confusion among the public through what he described as provocative statements and rumours surrounding the electoral roll revision exercise. He maintained that the BJP would take its position directly to the people and mobilise public support in favour of the process.
Seeking to counter the Opposition’s objections, the state BJP president argued that electoral roll revisions were not a new development and had been undertaken under successive governments. He claimed that the process had been conducted 12 times in the country, including 10 instances during Congress rule at the Centre, while a previous exercise in Tripura took place under the CPI(M)-led government.
Debroy questioned what he described as the Opposition’s change in position on the issue and said the October 31 programme would provide an opportunity for the party to publicly challenge its allegations. He added that preparations were underway to ensure the rally was organised systematically, with the party expecting participation from supporters and members of the public.
Beyond the proposed rally, Tuesday’s meeting also focused on the BJP’s organisational priorities and preparations for forthcoming elections. Party leaders discussed future programmes, electoral strategy and measures to strengthen the organisation at different levels.
The participation of senior leaders, elected representatives and organisational functionaries indicated that the meeting covered both the party’s immediate response to the SIR controversy and its wider political preparations.
The BJP is expected to step up its organisational activities and public outreach in the coming weeks as it seeks to consolidate its support base and respond to Opposition criticism on electoral and political issues.
