Agartala, October 24, 2025: Tripura’s former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Friday accused the state government of initially offering moral support to the recent bandh, only to backtrack under pressure.

Speaking to reporters, Sarkar alleged that Chief Minister Manik Saha distanced himself from the bandh only after facing criticism, despite earlier indications of indirect endorsement. He also pointed out that the BJP remained conspicuously silent on the issue.

Calling the bandh a “provocative incident,” Sarkar condemned attempts to label Bengali non-tribals as “Bangladeshis” and suggested that such actions were politically motivated. “No political party has the authority to identify citizens and declare them foreigners. That responsibility lies solely with the Union Home Ministry or the state’s Home Department,” he said.

Sarkar further alleged that both the BJP and Tipra Motha are losing ground among tribal and non-tribal communities alike. “They are aware that people are thinking differently now. This bandh was a calculated move to divert public attention and incite unrest,” he claimed. He added that the situation in Santirbazar, where shops remained open during the bandh and an untoward incident followed, was a deliberate attempt to escalate tensions.

Drawing a contrast with the Left Front’s approach, Sarkar said, “Even during our tenure, when we called for bandhs, some shops stayed open and vehicles operated. It was always up to the people to decide whether to support the bandh. We never resorted to violence.” He condemned the recent acts of intimidation against those who chose not to observe the bandh, calling them “reprehensible acts of terror.”

Sarkar urged the administration to identify and take exemplary action against those responsible for the violence, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic rights and maintain peace.