BJP Factional Tensions Surface in Dharmanagar as Rival Groups Clash, Allegations of Assault and ‘Go Back’ Slogans
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, September 23, 2026
Political tensions within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have reportedly intensified in Dharmanagar, North Tripura, with allegations of clashes between rival groups of party workers, assault of a person considered close to the local MLA, and a separate confrontation following an ABVP protest against BJP leader Barnali Goswami.
The developments have triggered questions over growing factional differences within the ruling party in the constituency, particularly after Tuesday’s protest at Dharmanagar Government Degree College, where members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) raised slogans demanding that Barnali Goswami, wife of Dharmanagar MLA Jahar Chakraborty, “Go Back.” The incident has already attracted attention at the state level.
According to reports, the ABVP protest was linked to several longstanding grievances raised by students, including shortages of teachers, drinking-water problems and alleged disruption of regular academic activities. Students also reportedly objected to programmes involving outsiders being held on the college campus. The protesters claimed that memoranda had previously been submitted to the authorities but that their concerns had not been adequately resolved.
Tension reportedly escalated when Barnali Goswami arrived at the college.
Local journalists reported that students had expected the local MLA to meet them regarding their grievances and that Goswami’s arrival was not expected by the protesters. The students subsequently raised “Go Back” slogans.
The situation has now reportedly spilled beyond the college campus, with allegations of a confrontation between rival BJP groups in and around the party’s district office. Allegations circulating locally claim that a person described as close to the Dharmanagar MLA was assaulted allegedly by BJP workers, including a Mandal-level leader. It is further alleged that the MLA himself had to intervene to rescue his associate.
There are also allegations that supporters associated with one faction were attacked inside the BJP district office. Names including Munna Pal, Mihir and Nabarun have been mentioned in allegations circulating in connection with the incident. However, these allegations have not been independently verified, and the individuals named have not been established as responsible for any assault based on the information currently available.
The controversy has also drawn in the ABVP protest. According to allegations circulating after the college incident, the father of an ABVP student leader who had participated in the “Go Back” protest was allegedly assaulted on the road. The allegations have been directed at persons described by local sources as being associated with the BJP.
The developments have created an unusual situation in Dharmanagar, with allegations and counter-allegations emerging between people belonging to the same broader political camp. The dispute has also generated calls from some quarters for action against those accused of violence and for the immediate arrest of Barnali Goswami.
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