Agartala, June 28, 2025: Tripura’s former Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb on Friday accused the Congress and Communist parties of “hypocrisy” and “historical betrayal,” claiming that they neither respect the Constitution nor uphold India’s cultural and democratic values. He was speaking at a seminar organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at Nazrul Kalakshetra in Sadar district.

“The Communists and the Congress, who never respected the Constitution, are now preaching constitutional values. It’s both ironic and laughable,” said Deb during his address to party workers and supporters.

Deb strongly criticized former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, stating that the Emergency declared on June 25, 1975, was not due to any national crisis but was driven by “personal arrogance.”

“There was no situation in the country that warranted an emergency. Indira Gandhi imposed it only to retain power, after consulting her son. That one act stained the democratic history of India,” Deb said.

Turning his focus to Tripura’s past, Deb alleged that the 35-year-long Left rule in the state amounted to a “permanent emergency.”

“During the Communist regime, there was no personal freedom. People could not take a single step without the party’s nod,” Deb claimed. “The arrogance of uninterrupted power deprived Tripura’s people of their fundamental rights.”

Deb mocked the ongoing collaboration between the Congress and CPI(M), calling it a “marriage of convenience” and accusing both parties of having supported insurgent outfits like the NLFT and ATTF in the past.

“They point fingers at each other but were jointly responsible for promoting forces that harmed Tripura’s peace and development,” he alleged.

The BJP MP also took a personal jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. “He walks around with a copy of the Constitution in his hand, but does not even know how many pages it has. He talks of saving democracy but is unaware of its history,” Deb said, referring to Rahul Gandhi’s symbolic gestures during recent protests.

“Communists represent a permanent emergency — they have institutionalized oppression under the guise of ideology,” Deb added. “They dismantled Indian traditions and culture while establishing systems reminiscent of British colonial rule.”

Biplab Deb concluded by urging people, especially the youth, not to forget historical truths. “If we forget history, we risk losing our identity. The Left and Congress thrive on this ignorance,” he said.

The seminar is seen as part of BJP’s ideological outreach as the party begins its early preparations for the 2028 Assembly elections.