The CPI(M) on Wednesday (January 29, 2025) held a large rally in Agartala to mark its 24th State conference for which permission was granted at the eleventh hour. The administration gave last-minute permission for the rally outside Rabindra Bhavan, adjacent to the Orient Chowmuhani (Square), after rejecting previous requests to hold it at open fields such as Swami Vivekananda Stadium and Umakanta Mini Stadium.
Prominent party leaders including CPI(M) politburo member Prakash Karat, former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, party State Secretary and Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury and several former Ministers spoke at the rally. Thousands of party workers and supporters from across the State attended the rally, causing disruptions in vehicular traffic across the city for a few hours.
The CPI(M) alleged that vehicles carrying party supporters were damaged at some places and public transport vehicles were prevented from operating at Agartala railway station. Due to these obstacles, hundreds of attendees had to walk about 8 km to reach the venue.
In his speech, Mr.Karat accused the ruling BJP of creating maximum hurdles to disrupt the rally and its programmes. He warned the BJP that the more they attack the CPI(M), the more support they will gain.
Mr. Sarkar criticised the BJP government for its alleged failures on all fronts and claimed that the BJP, its alliance partners TIPRA Motha and the IPFT were losing support. He also mocked incumbent Chief Minister Manik Saha for allegedly manipulating his election to enter the State assembly.
CPI(M) State Secretary Chaudhury said the size of the rally is a clear indication of the longing for people to oust the BJP from the State. He also highlighted the daily attacks and obstacles faced by the party.
Meanwhile, police confirmed an attack on a van carrying CPI(M) supporters in Khumulwng area of West Tripura resulting in injuries to some passengers. No arrest was reported in connection with the case.
