Agartala, 31st August 2026 : A sharp political exchange took place in the Tripura Legislative Assembly on Monday after ruling party legislators raised concerns over an alleged statement by former Chief Minister and CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar calling for a “militant movement” if the government failed to fulfil certain demands.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath described the issue as “very important” and said statements of such nature could have serious consequences for peace and public order. Referring to Sarkar’s August 10 meeting at Agartala’s Paradise Chowmuhani area, Nath alleged that the former Chief Minister had spoken about overthrowing the government through a militant movement.
Nath recalled Tripura’s violent militancy period and urged Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, to apprise the House of cases registered over the alleged remarks, sections invoked, police action and whether surveillance measures had been taken.
BJP MLA Ranjit Das alleged that such elements were no longer operating openly but were attempting to influence people through institutions such as offices, courts, schools and colleges. He urged the government to identify and act against individuals allegedly working to create unrest.
Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury also strongly criticised Manik Sarkar’s alleged statement. He questioned the CPI(M)’s commitment to democratic methods and referred to the state’s history of militancy under previous Communist governments.
Chowdhury cited the 1998 assassination of then Health Minister Bimal Sinha, allegedly by banned militant groups, and questioned whether adequate action and investigation had followed the incident. He also referred to the Justice Yusuf Commission, which reportedly pointed to administrative negligence.
The exchanges brought Tripura’s troubled militancy history back into the Assembly, with the ruling side accusing the opposition of using provocative rhetoric and warning that attempts to create instability could adversely affect the state’s peace and development.
