Agartala: September 10, 2025: A tense situation took place in Ambassa on Wednesday as opposition leader Jitendra Chowdhury’s convoy was blocked and protested by members of the non-political Janajati Samaj at Naila Bari area. The protestors raised black flags and shouted “Go Back” slogans, accusing Chowdhury of insulting Tripura’s traditional tribal garment, the ‘Risa’.

The incident took place when Jitendra Chowdhury was en route to Ambassa Town Hall to attend a memorial meeting organized to mark the first death anniversary of the late Comrade Sitaram Yechury. As soon as he reached Naila Bari, members of the Janajati Samaj surrounded his car and staged a protest, creating an atmosphere of unrest.

A tribal community member participating in the protest told reporters that Chowdhury’s recent comments about the Risa were disrespectful to tribal culture and an affront to Tripura’s identity. “This insult is not limited to the tribal community but affects the entire people of Tripura,” the protestor said, demanding an immediate public apology from Chowdhury. The protestors warned of a larger movement if their demand was not met.

In response, the CPI(M) organized a counter-protest procession from Ambassa Town Hall, with Jitendra Chowdhury addressing the media. He denied the allegations, stating, “When I was the Minister of Forests, Information and Culture, I was the first to introduce Risa in Tripura. These accusations are completely baseless and part of a political conspiracy.” Chowdhury further alleged that the ruling BJP government was orchestrating the protest to divert public attention and sow division among the tribal community, thereby tarnishing the image of the CPI(M).

A large police contingent was deployed to control the situation and ensure Chowdhury’s safe arrival at the meeting venue. Political analysts suggest that this incident could intensify the political rivalry in Tripura, especially in the run-up to the upcoming elections where the tribal vote bank holds significant sway.

The BJP’s Janajati Morcha has been identified as playing a role in mobilizing the protest, which could further complicate the political landscape in the state. The situation remains volatile, with rising tensions between political parties over tribal representation and cultural sensitivity.