Agartala, March 30: Tension gripped the Teliamura–Maharani area on Sunday ahead of the crucial TTAADC elections after miscreants allegedly attacked multiple vehicles, including the car of Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, at Manikbazar.
According to reports, the incident occurred when the minister rushed to the Manikbazar SPO camp area following information that a few BJP workers had been detained by Tipra Motha supporters. Speaking on the incident, Debbarma said that as soon as he reached the spot to secure the release of the party workers, his convoy came under an unprovoked attack.
“Several vehicles, including mine, were vandalised in the attack. A number of our party workers also sustained injuries,” he said. The injured were later shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Terming the incident as “premeditated,” the minister condemned the violence and reiterated his party’s stand against such acts. “We abhor violence. The BJP does not support any form of unrest. I urge the authorities to take necessary steps to ensure free and fair elections,” Debbarma added.
In a separate incident earlier in the day, tensions surfaced at Nomonjoy Bari, where Tipra Motha supporters allegedly attempted to disrupt a BJP joining programme. The event was organised in support of BJP candidate Billu Jamatia.
BJP leaders claimed that supporters of Tipra Motha blocked key roads in the area, preventing party leaders and workers from reaching the venue. The situation, however, was brought under control after timely intervention by the administration, which cleared the blockade and restored normal movement.
Despite the unrest, BJP leaders asserted that the joining programme witnessed a significant political shift, with 63 individuals, reportedly led by Tipra Motha leader Ajit Debbarma, switching allegiance to the BJP.
The twin incidents have heightened political tensions in the region, raising concerns over law and order ahead of the TTAADC polls. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation and ensure peaceful conduct of the elections.
