Crisis in Tripura’s Transport Sector: CITU Leaders Slam Minister and Ruling Party at 13th Motor Workers Union Conference

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 14, 2025

The 13th Central Conference of the Tripura Motor Workers Union, held yesterday at the Muktdhara Auditorium in Agartala, turned politically charged as CITU state secretary and former MP Shankar Prasad Dutta launched a scathing attack on the state’s Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury and leaders of ruling party-backed workers unions. He blamed them for the growing crisis in the transport sector and the worsening plight of transport workers across Tripura.

Dutta, alongside senior left leader and former minister Manik Dey, expressed grave concern over the current state of the transport industry both in the state and at the national level. He alleged that transport workers are being subjected to exploitation, making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods. According to Dutta, the current policies of the transport department and the ruling party's affiliated organizations are responsible for this crisis.

However, the conference took a controversial turn when Dutta made an objectionable remark referring to Hindu deity Lord Hanuman as a "Sanda Marka" (bull-like figure), which quickly went viral on social media and triggered widespread backlash. The comment has been condemned by various sections of BJP supporters for hurting religious sentiments, especially among devout Hindus.

Critics argue that this reflects a long-standing pattern of insensitivity among sections of the CPI(M) towards religious beliefs, a charge now reignited by Dutta's statement. The controversy threatens to overshadow the core agenda of the conference to address the rights and challenges faced by transport workers.

Apart from Dutta and Dey, several other leaders and delegates attended the conference, which aimed to highlight issues of worker exploitation, lack of policy support, and the urgent need for reforms in the transport sector. Yet, many now feel that the focus of the event has been diluted due to the religious controversy surrounding Dutta’s remarks.

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