Agartala, October 08, 2025: Political tensions flared between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the ruling BJP in Tripura after a visiting TMC delegation was allegedly prevented from leaving Agartala airport on Wednesday. The incident drew sharp condemnation from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who lashed out at the “double engine” government for obstructing opposition leaders.
Expressing outrage before the media, Banerjee declared, “The Trinamool party office in Tripura has been vandalized. Our ministers, MLAs, and MPs were stopped. They were not even allowed to take prepaid taxis or bikes. I told them to walk if they have to. If you dare, stop them — I too will go to Tripura.”
Accusing the BJP-led government of fostering unrest, the Chief Minister said, “Abhishek’s car was vandalized earlier in Tripura. Dola Sen’s and Sushmita Dev’s vehicles were also attacked. Where was the double engine then? First fix your own house before preaching.”
The controversy erupted when, after landing in Agartala, the local administration reportedly turned away three of the four vehicles arranged for the delegation. The leaders — including MPs and senior TMC figures — staged a sit-in protest outside the airport, alleging “state-sponsored obstruction.”
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, “This behavior is completely intentional and politically motivated. The administration, acting under BJP’s pressure, is trying to prevent the opposition from carrying out legitimate political programs. This is the BJP’s governance model — suppressing voices of dissent and democracy.”
He further added, “We will not bow down to fear or pressure. The people of Tripura are watching. We will walk to our destination if needed.”
Meanwhile, tension prevailed around the airport area as police tightened security. No conciliatory action had been taken by the administration till late evening.
Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev also wrote to Tripura DGP Anurag Dhankar seeking a meeting to discuss the deteriorating law and order situation. “Our representatives are deeply concerned by the recent incidents of violence and administrative bias,” she stated in her letter, requesting measures to restore peace.
TMC leaders Sayoni Ghosh and Sudeep Raha condemned the incident, accusing the Tripura government of “killing democracy.” Ghosh said, “In Bengal, there is a government at your door. In Tripura, there’s a goon at your door. That’s the difference between BJP and Trinamool.” Raha added, “This proves there is no space for opposition in a BJP-ruled state.”
As the standoff continued, Trinamool leaders asserted they would continue their Tripura program “at any cost,” while the Chief Minister warned that she herself might visit the state soon — daring the BJP to stop her.
