Damning Allegations: Manik Sarkar Slams Bandh as ‘Deliberate Provocation’ and Attacks Government’s “Tacit Support”

The recent shutdown that paralyzed Tripura’s vital railway services has now ignited a fierce political storm, led by former Chief Minister and CPI(M) politburo member Manik Sarkar. Speaking to reporters on Friday, October 24, 2025, Sarkar launched a scathing and comprehensive attack on the ruling dispensation, alleging both connivance and political malice behind the disruptive event.

The veteran leader did not mince words, claiming the state government initially extended a “moral support” to the protest organized by a civil society group, only to perform a calculated retreat when the blockade resulted in widespread chaos and public criticism. The central theme of his address was his strong condemnation, as Manik Sarkar Slams Bandh organizers and the administration for exploiting sensitive issues for political gain.

Manik Sarkar Slams Bandh: The Core Allegations of Government Collusion

The primary point of contention raised by the former Chief Minister revolved around the state government’s shifting stance concerning the bandh:

• Initial Tacit Endorsement: Sarkar alleged that the government initially provided a subtle, indirect endorsement, or “tacit support,” to the bandh, suggesting an attempt to use the agitation to its political advantage.
• Chief Minister’s Backtrack: He specifically pointed to Chief Minister Manik Saha, claiming the CM only distanced himself from the bandh after facing mounting public and political criticism over the resulting widespread railway paralysis and inconvenience.
• BJP’s Conspicuous Silence: Sarkar highlighted the peculiar quietness from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the initial stages of the agitation, suggesting a lack of decisive action or clear condemnation, which further fueled his allegations of indirect support.

The Deliberate Strategy Behind the Manik Sarkar Slams Bandh Statement

According to Sarkar, the bandh was far from a spontaneous civil protest; rather, it was a deeply premeditated, tactical move by ruling and allied parties aware of their slipping popularity.

• Calculated Diversion: Manik Sarkar Slams Bandh actions, describing the entire incident as a “calculated move to divert public attention and incite unrest.” He asserted that the agitation was orchestrated because political parties realize that “people are thinking differently now” and support for them is waning.
• Provocation, Not Protest: He categorically labelled the incident as a “provocative incident,” designed to heighten tensions in the state’s already delicate socio-political environment.
• Loss of Ground: Sarkar alleged that both the ruling BJP and the key regional party, Tipra Motha, are losing support among both tribal and non-tribal communities, making such inflammatory actions a desperate political gamble.

Condemnation of Xenophobic Labeling by Manik Sarkar Slams Bandh Advocate

One of the most concerning aspects of the bandh, according to Sarkar, was the attempt by some elements of the agitation to target and label Bengali non-tribals, often residents of Tripura for generations, as “Bangladeshis.” This was strongly condemned:

• Violation of Authority: Manik Sarkar Slams Bandh participants for usurping governmental authority, stating emphatically: “No political party has the authority to identify citizens and declare them foreigners.”
• Sole Jurisdiction: He stressed that the crucial responsibility of identifying and verifying the citizenship of individuals lies solely and strictly with the central Union Home Ministry or the state’s Home Department.

Condemning Violence and Setting a Historic Precedent

Sarkar also drew a stark and powerful contrast between the Left Front’s approach to political protest and the alleged tactics employed during the recent bandh, highlighting the descent into violence and intimidation.

• The Santirbazar Incident: The Ex-CM specifically cited the untoward incident in Santirbazar, where shops that defied the bandh were targeted. He claimed this was a deliberate attempt to escalate tensions rather than a consequence of organic opposition.
• The Left Front’s Model: He recalled that even when the Left Front called for shutdowns during his tenure:
  • Public Choice was Respected: Shops remained open and vehicles operated based on the people’s will.
  • Non-Violence was Paramount: The party never resorted to any form of violence or intimidation to enforce participation.
• Reprehensible Acts of Terror: Sarkar vehemently condemned the recent acts of intimidation and violence against those who chose not to observe the bandh, branding them “reprehensible acts of terror.”

Conclusion: A Strong Demand for Peace and Justice

In his concluding remarks, Sarkar shifted focus to the administration, placing the burden of restoring order and democratic rights squarely on their shoulders.

• Exemplary Action Demanded: He urged the administration to move beyond rhetoric and immediately identify and take “exemplary action” against all those responsible for the violence and the attacks on democratic freedoms.
• Upholding Democratic Rights: The message was clear: maintaining peace and upholding the democratic right of every citizen to live and work without fear must be the state’s foremost priority, especially in the wake of the political machinations that led to the severe Manik Sarkar Slams Bandh statement. The situation demands accountability to prevent any further calculated unrest.