Alleged Obstruction and Attack Over National Flag Hoisting in Boxanagar Sparks Political Controversy

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, August 15, 2026

Allegations of obstruction and physical assault during a programme to hoist the national flag have triggered a fresh political controversy in Tripura’s Boxanagar area, with allegations being levelled against BJP supporters in North Kalamchowra under Kalamchowra police station.

According to allegations circulating from the area, a group of people associated with the Left allegedly faced resistance when they attempted to organise a national flag-hoisting programme as part of Independence Day celebrations. It has further been alleged that the participants were attacked and that objectionable and derogatory remarks were made about the national flag during the confrontation.

The allegations have sparked strong reactions, particularly over the reported use of offensive language regarding the Tricolour. Critics have argued that the national flag is not the property of any political party and that every Indian citizen has the right to participate in programmes involving the national flag, subject to the law and the prescribed Flag Code.

The incident has also generated a heated political exchange on social media. Supporters of the Left have condemned what they describe as an attempt to prevent a political group from observing Independence Day. At the same time, political opponents have used the incident to make counter-allegations against CPI(M), including claims questioning the party’s patriotism and political positions.

The controversy has particularly intensified over comments allegedly made during the confrontation about the Tricolour. Those reacting to the incident have described such remarks, if accurately reported, as unacceptable and contrary to the spirit of Independence Day.

The dispute has also revived concerns about political intolerance in parts of Tripura, where rival political groups have repeatedly accused one another of preventing political programmes and creating an atmosphere of confrontation.

According to the allegations, despite facing resistance and an alleged assault, the Left leaders and workers did not abandon the programme and remained determined to observe Independence Day.

The incident has led to demands from sections of the public for an impartial investigation and appropriate legal action if the allegations of assault, obstruction or insulting the national flag are established.

The latest controversy comes a day after another politically sensitive incident was reported from the Dukli area of Agartala.

A blood-donation camp organised at the residence of DYFI state secretary Nabarun Deb ahead of Independence Day was allegedly disrupted, with claims that the pandal erected for the programme was damaged.

Despite the alleged disruption, the blood-donation programme was subsequently held today, with senior CPI(M) leaders including former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and party state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury reportedly attending the event.

The development has added to allegations from the Left that political programmes involving its workers are being obstructed.

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