Arson Attack on CPIM Office in Belonia Sparks Political Tension After Minister’s Bulldozer Remarks in State Assembly

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 24, 2026

A serious incident of arson has heightened political tensions in Tripura’s Belonia subdivision, coming less than 24 hours after a controversial statement by state minister Ratan Lal Nath. The minister had reportedly warned that CPIM offices could be demolished using bulldozers, a remark at state assembly session that has now drawn sharp criticism in light of subsequent events.

Late last night, the local office of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) at Rishyamukh was attacked and set on fire. This marks the eighth such attack on the same office, leaving the local committee’s premises severely damaged and raising concerns over recurring political violence in the state.

In response, CPIM leaders organized a deputation today to the SDPO of Belonia, demanding a fair and thorough investigation into the incident and strict punishment for those responsible. The delegation included subdivision committee secretary Comrade Bijoy Dibas Tilak, MLA Dipankar Sen, district leader Babul Debnath, and local secretary Shiuli Lodh, among other party members.

CPIM leadership has alleged that the incident is politically motivated. According to them, with the upcoming ADC elections approaching, there is growing public dissatisfaction against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. They claim that the ruling party, fearing a backlash from the electorate, is attempting to create unrest and intimidate opposition workers.

The incident has once again brought the issue of political violence in Tripura into focus, with demands rising for maintaining law and order and ensuring a democratic environment ahead of the elections.

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