BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 15th July 2025: Widespread protests erupted in Agartala on Tuesday following alleged derogatory remarks made by senior CPIM leader and former Member of Parliament, Shankar Prasad Datta, against Lord Hanuman during a recent party event.
The remarks have triggered strong reactions from political and religious groups, who are demanding Datta’s immediate arrest and a public apology.
In a show of dissent, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) organized a protest rally in central Agartala, led by BJYM State President and MLA Sushanta Deb, BJP State Vice President Papia Datta, and other party leaders. The rally drew over 100 participants, all calling for strict action against the veteran CPIM leader. Speaking to reporters during the rally, MLA Sushanta Deb strongly condemned Datta’s alleged remarks.
“Two days ago, Shankar Prasad Datta made derogatory comments against Lord Hanuman. These remarks have deeply hurt the religious sentiments of people. This is not just a BJP protest—people across the state are outraged,” he said.
Deb further accused the CPIM of consistently disrespecting religious beliefs.
“From calling religion opium to supporting controversial activities in West Bengal, the CPIM has time and again tried to undermine faith-based sentiments,” he alleged.
In a parallel protest, members of the Bajrang Dal staged a demonstration at the Radhanagar Bus Stand in Agartala. Protesters placed a garland of shoes on an effigy of the former MP as a mark of strong disapproval. The group demanded that Datta issue a public apology—either in person or through a video message. “If he fails to apologize immediately, we will intensify our agitation,” warned a Bajrang Dal activist.
As of now, neither Shankar Prasad Datta nor the CPIM has issued any official statement in response to the allegations.
