Confusion in BJP Over Asharambari Attack: CM Blames TIPRA Motha, But Silence from Senior Leaders Raises Eyebrows
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, July 28, 2025
A major political row has erupted in Tripura following the violent attack on BJP supporters during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat programme on Sunday at Asharambari under Khowai district. While Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha directly accused TIPRA Motha party cadres of orchestrating the violence, a section of BJP ministers and senior leaders refrained from naming the party, creating confusion and triggering criticism within and outside the party.
The incident occurred during the live broadcast of the PM’s monthly radio address. Eyewitnesses and local BJP workers alleged that TIPRA Motha cadres launched a planned and cowardly attack, injuring several BJP ‘karyakartas’. Three of them are now undergoing treatment at GB Hospital in Agartala.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha wasted no time in condemning the violence and visited the injured party workers at the hospital. In a strongly worded statement, he said:“Strongly condemn the violent & undemocratic attack by TIPRA Motha party workers during Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi Ji's Mann Ki Baat programme at Asharambari. Several BJP karyakartas injured. Such disgraceful acts won't be tolerated.”
He also instructed the police to take stringent action against the perpetrators.However, despite the Chief Minister’s firm stand, several BJP ministers and senior leaders issued statements condemning the violence without directly naming TIPRA Motha. This cautious and seemingly calculated silence has sparked unease among grassroots workers and political observers alike.
While ministers like Santana Chakma and Tinku Roy did name TIPRA Motha as responsible, others, such as Sudhangshu Das and Subal Bhowmik, simply referred to the attackers as "miscreants" or "anti-social elements".
Sources within the BJP allege that the reason behind this selective silence is the growing influence of the “Pradyot Kishore lobby” within the party. Former royal scion and TIPRA Motha’s founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, though no longer officially holding a party post, is believed to have allies embedded in the BJP's power structure. These elements, it is claimed, are trying to undermine Chief Minister Dr. Saha’s position by downplaying the party’s direct accusations against TIPRA Motha.
The confusion has not gone unnoticed by the public, but many internet users and BJP supporters took to social media to question why the party is hesitating to take a unified stand. Several comments criticized the lack of coordination and accused some leaders of appeasement tactics.
A local BJP worker said: “Attacking BJP workers during the Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat is nothing short of attacking the dignity of the Prime Minister himself. Why are some of our leaders not calling out the culprits clearly?”Reportedly, arrests made in this case are all linked to TIPRA Motha.
Police sources also confirmed that three individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack, and all are known supporters of TIPRA Motha in the Tulashikhar area. This has further strengthened the BJP’s grassroots claim that the attack was politically motivated.
Minister Tinku Roy condemned the attack in harsh terms, writing: “This planned attack is shameful and a violation of democratic decorum. Our workers were brutally assaulted. Such violence will not be tolerated.”
Papiya Datta and Minister Santana Chakma also issued statements visiting the injured and squarely blaming TIPRA Motha.But TIPRA Motha leader Rajeswar Debbarma, in a veiled response, called for introspection and cautioned against the direction politics is taking: “We need to be cautious about the way politics is being practiced, as it could have unintended consequences for our future prospects.” Notably, with the state Autonomous District Council elections looming in 2026, this type of incidents and the internal confusion it has exposed may have lasting consequences. The yesterday's attack has not only raised serious questions about political violence but has also revealed a lack of unity within the ruling BJP on how to confront and respond to growing opposition from TIPRA Motha. Whether this confusion will hurt the BJP politically or strengthen the Chief Minister’s image as a firm leader remains to be seen.
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