tripura-cm-saha-blames-tipra-motha-for-attacks-on-bjp-workers

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has blamed ally Tipra Motha for an attack on Bharatiya Janata Party members in the state’s Khowai district, saying he has directed the police to take strict action against those responsible.

 

Saha, who visited the state-run GB Pant Hospital on Sunday night to meet the injured BJP workers, condemned the violence in a social media post.

 

“Strongly condemn the violent & undemocratic attack by TIPRA Motha party workers during Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi Ji’s #MannKiBaat programme at Asharambari,” Saha wrote on Facebook.

 

“Several BJP karyakartas injured, 3 undergoing treatment at GB Hospital. I visited the hospital, instructed doctors to provide best care & directed police to take strict action against perpetrators. Such disgraceful acts won’t be tolerated,” he added.

 

The incident took place in Asharambari, Purba Taksaiya, a remote tribal village under the Champahower police station area, on Sunday morning.

 

Tipra Motha, led by Pradyot Debbarma and part of the BJP-led government in Tripura, has denied any link to the violence, which has sparked political tension in the state.

 

Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Khowai, Kudiarasu, told the media agency that BJP workers were gathered at a house to listen to the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme when a group of miscreants attacked them, injuring three people.

 

“All of them were taken to a nearby health facility. Preliminary investigation revealed internal rivalry led to the attack and it had nothing to do with ‘Mann Ki Baat’. An FIR was lodged and an investigation is underway. No arrest has been made so far,” the SDPO said.

 

The BJP’s Janajati Morcha general secretary Bipin Debbarma claimed that seven party workers were injured in the attack.

 

According to police, three vehicles and 10 motorcycles belonging to BJP members were also set ablaze by the attackers.

 

Forest minister Animesh Debbarma, a leader of Tipra Motha, denied any party involvement, calling the allegations baseless.

 

“I don’t know what the BJP has said. We do not attack leaders or workers, or supporters of our allies. There might be a conspiracy to create such a situation. In no way is the party involved in the attack,” Animesh Debbarma said.