Agartala, June 25, 2025: Tensions flared in Tripura on Tuesday as members of the BJP Janajati Morcha staged a protest in front of Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman’s government hostel at Agartala, demanding an apology for remarks made by him that they termed “unconstitutional” and “deeply insulting” to the tribal community.

The controversy stems from a statement allegedly made by Barman during a Congress Janajati Sammelan held at Ambassa Town Hall on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, the Congress legislator reportedly said, “BJP leaders urinate on the bodies of tribal people”, drawing sharp criticism from BJP-affiliated tribal organizations.

In response, a large group of BJP Janajati Morcha activists assembled outside Barman’s MLA hostel in Agartala on Wednesday morning. What began as a demonstration quickly escalated into chaos when some protestors reportedly broke the main gate of the hostel and entered the premises, causing vandalism.

“Sudip Roy Barman has humiliated the entire tribal population with his abusive and unconstitutional language. He must apologize publicly to all tribal communities across the country,” said one Janajati Morcha protester.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. Kiran Kumar confirmed the incident and said, “The situation is currently under control. Adequate police forces have been deployed to prevent any further escalation.”

Reacting to the protest and the vandalism, MLA Sudip Roy Barman stood by his earlier remarks, clarifying the context. “I have no anger towards the tribal community regarding today’s incident. I respect them and work for their development,” he told reporters. “But the BJP has a long history of harboring hatred towards SC, ST, and OBC communities. If they didn’t, how could a BJP worker in Madhya Pradesh urinate on a tribal man in full public view? That’s the issue I addressed yesterday.”

The remarks made by Barman refer to a controversial incident in Madhya Pradesh last year, where a BJP functionary was arrested after a viral video showed him urinating on a tribal man an event that sparked nationwide outrage.

As the political temperature rises, calls for an official investigation into the vandalism and a formal response from the Congress party are also gaining ground.

No arrests have been made so far, and authorities have urged all parties to maintain peace.