Manik Sarkar Accuses BJP of Dividing Communities to Divert Attention from Key Issues in Tripura
Former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Saturday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to create divisions among different communities in the state, including Hindus, Muslims, Tribals, and Non-Tribals, to distract from pressing issues like rising prices, unemployment, and other economic challenges.
Sarkar made the statement during the inauguration of a blood donation camp in Agartala, where he emphasized the importance of involving youth in such initiatives. While acknowledging the state’s efforts, he pointed out that the government’s actions were limited to events, urging the administration to encourage greater participation from various organizations, clubs, and the public.
On the issue of communal tensions that have recently emerged in the state following incidents of idol vandalization, Sarkar, who is also a member of the CPIM Politburo, expressed his concern. He said that the government must take decisive action to prevent further divisions based on religion and caste. “If the government does not want such incidents, nobody will dare to create divisions among people based on religion and caste,” he stated. Sarkar also emphasized the importance of legal action against those responsible for the vandalism, stressing that mere dialogue would not suffice.
Sarkar accused political forces of deliberately sowing discord among communities to divert attention from critical issues like the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, the weakening of the Indian currency, and rising unemployment. “Dividing Hindus and Muslims keeps people distracted from core issues such as the high price rise of essential commodities, the depreciating Indian currency, unemployment, and the decreasing purchasing power of the common people,” he said.
Furthermore, Sarkar highlighted the growing attempts to create divisions between Tribals and Non-Tribals, a trend he found deeply concerning. “While we had succeeded in preventing such incidents earlier, they have resurfaced in a new way. This is unacceptable,” he said, calling for strong measures from the government to stop these efforts. He noted that the government is aware of the organizations responsible for fueling these tensions and urged them to take firm steps to address the issue.
Sarkar concluded by condemning the rising divisions in the state and calling on the government to take concrete actions to prevent further communal strife.
