Agartala, August 30, 2025: The Tripura Pradesh Congress staged a protest march through the streets of Agartala on Saturday, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission of India of orchestrating electoral fraud. The demonstration, which began at the Pradesh Congress Bhavan, was headed toward the state secretariat (Mahakaran) with plans for a public meeting at Circuit House. However, police intercepted the march at Radhanagar, sparking a heated exchange between law enforcement and senior Congress leaders.

Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, who was present at the scene, alleged that prior permission had been obtained for the public meeting at Circuit House. Contradicting this, Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak stated that no such permission had been granted, leading to disruption and tension in the area.

Tripura Congress President Ashish Kumar Saha condemned the BJP government, accusing it of manipulating the Election Commission to retain power both nationally and within the state. “The BJP is treating the Election Commission like a branch office,” Saha said, adding that the party is using slogans like ‘Vote Chors, Vacate the Throne’ to mobilize nationwide protests.

Saha further alleged that the police acted on instructions from BJP leaders to block the march at Radhanagar, effectively sabotaging the Congress’s planned public meeting. “This is a blatant attempt to silence the opposition,” he said.

Expressing outrage over the police action, Roy Barman accused the BJP of suppressing free speech and rigging elections to serve corporate interests. “For the past 11 years, the government has been systematically eroding the voice of the people and stifling opposition in Parliament,” he said. He described the current state of governance as chaotic and self-serving.

Roy Barman also criticized the police, claiming they were acting under the influence of BJP mandal leaders. “The police have forgotten their duty and are now merely serving the whims of party leaders,” he said. He reiterated that the Congress’s protest campaign would continue undeterred, asserting, “We are fighting for the rights of the people and will stand by them.”

Superintendent Namit Pathak defended the police action, stating that the Congress had not secured prior approval for the public gathering, which led to disorder near Circuit House. He confirmed that the administration would take appropriate measures in response to the incident.