Agartala, 1st August 2026: A protest rally was held in Agartala on Saturday by members and supporters of Hindu organizations over remarks attributed to CPI(M) state secretary and Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury regarding Brahmins and the historical practice of cow slaughter and consumption of beef.
The protesters claimed that Chaudhury’s remarks had hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community and demanded that he withdraw the statement and apologise publicly.
The rally started from Rabindra Bhavan and proceeded towards the city centre. Participants raised slogans expressing their opposition to what they described as derogatory remarks against Hindu religious traditions and Brahmins.
Addressing the gathering, one of the speakers said the comments had caused resentment among members of the Hindu community. He alleged that references to Brahmins consuming beef and sacrificing cows amounted to an insult to Hindu beliefs, particularly the traditional reverence for the cow.
Another speaker, identified as Purnachandra Mandal of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), said the remarks had triggered strong reactions among Hindus in Agartala and surrounding areas. He accused the Left of repeatedly making statements that, according to him, were critical of Hindu religion and culture.
Mandal also launched a broader political attack on the Left, accusing it of pursuing policies and positions that were allegedly contrary to national interests. He said the objective of Saturday’s rally was to register a strong protest and demand an apology from Chaudhury.
The protesters maintained that political leaders should exercise caution while commenting on religious traditions and historical practices, particularly when such remarks could affect the sentiments of a community.
The rally remained focused on the demand for clarification and withdrawal of the remarks, with participants calling for what they described as a “befitting reply” through democratic protest.
