By TC News Desk
Agartala, 6th September 2024: Tensions escalated in Tripura as protests erupted two days after the CPIM and Congress demanded an apology from SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das for a controversial social media post. On Friday, a group of youths staged a demonstration, waving black flags outside the residences of CPIM MLA Jitendra Chaudhury and Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman.
The controversy began when Minister Das posted on Facebook, calling for the protection of temples after reports of Hindu idol vandalism surfaced in parts of Tripura. Although Das later deleted the post, it sparked outrage among opposition leaders. During the Assembly session on Wednesday, CPIM and Congress legislators condemned the minister’s post, arguing that it could incite communal tensions and demanded a public apology from him.
In response, a group of young protesters gathered outside the homes of Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury and Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman, accusing them of disrespecting Sanatan Dharma. The demonstrators expressed their anger at the opposition’s stance, calling it an affront to Hindu beliefs.
“We are deeply hurt by their actions,” said one protester. “Sanatan Dharma teaches us the path of development, yet they spoke out against the minister’s post, which defended Hindus. That’s why we are protesting.”
Another protester questioned the silence of the opposition when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made remarks about Hindu violence. “Why didn’t Jitendra Chaudhury protest then? If he wants to live in India, he must show respect to Hindus. We demand an apology, and we will not tolerate any disrespect towards our religion,” he asserted.
The situation remains tense, with political leaders navigating the delicate balance between freedom of expression and communal sensitivity.