In a politically charged statement that has reignited historical wounds, Tripura BJP President Rajib Bhattacharya has accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] of failing to act during some of the state’s most violent episodes, including the 1980 Mandwi massacre and the 1996 Kamalpur Colony Bazar killings. Addressing a press conference on September 4, 2025, Bhattacharya alleged that the former Left Front government not only failed to prevent the violence but also deliberately sowed division between tribal and non-tribal communities during its 25-year rule.
The BJP’s allegations come ahead of the 2026 Tripura Assembly elections, with the party positioning itself as the protector of indigenous rights and social harmony. Bhattacharya’s remarks were backed by other senior leaders, who cited specific incidents of violence, police inaction, and administrative negligence under CPI(M) rule.
🧭 Timeline of Key Incidents Cited by BJP
| Year | Incident | Location | Alleged CPI(M) Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Mandwi Massacre | West Tripura | No inquiry commission, delayed response |
| 1996 | Kamalpur Colony Bazar Killings | Dhalai District | 25 deaths, no accountability |
| 1994 | Militant Induction Attempt | Statewide | Rolled back under public pressure |
| 2018 | Rise of BJP in Tripura | Statewide | CPI(M) accused of inciting caste tensions |
Bhattacharya claimed that even 36 hours after the Mandwi massacre, no official had reached the site, and dead bodies lay unattended for days.
🔍 BJP’s Allegations Against CPI(M): Breakdown
| Allegation Type | Details Provided by BJP Leaders | Political Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Negligence | No inquiry commissions, lack of police action | Erodes CPI(M)’s credibility on governance |
| Ethnic Division | Deliberate tribal–non-tribal polarization | Undermines CPI(M)’s secular credentials |
| Militant Patronage | Attempted induction into state jobs | Raises national security concerns |
| Historical Amnesia | No public apology or acknowledgment | BJP positions itself as truth-teller |
The BJP also recalled that former national president Atal Bihari Vajpayee had visited Tripura during the 1980 riots and advised the CPI(M) government on handling the crisis, but no steps were taken.
📉 CPI(M)’s Political Legacy Under Scrutiny
| Governance Period | Key Issues Raised by BJP | Public Sentiment Shift |
|---|---|---|
| 1993–2018 | Ethnic unrest, poor law & order | Rise of BJP as alternative |
| 1980s–1990s | Massacres, riots, militant links | Historical grievances resurface |
| Post-2018 | Alleged caste-based politics | BJP accuses CPI(M) of divisive tactics |
BJP leaders have warned that CPI(M) is attempting to revive its old playbook of unrest and caste politics to regain relevance.
🔥 Tribal–Non-Tribal Relations: BJP vs CPI(M) Narrative
| Party Position | Tribal Welfare Strategy | Accusations Against Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| BJP | “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” model | CPI(M) divided communities for votes |
| CPI(M) | Historical support for tribal movements | BJP exploiting tribal identity politics |
| BJP’s Claims | Focus on 19 tribal communities, inclusive budget | CPI(M) ignored tribal grievances |
BJP leaders emphasized that their government has prioritized tribal welfare through targeted schemes and inclusive development policies.
🧠 Expert Commentary on Tripura’s Political Tensions
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Meera Iyer | Political Analyst | “Tripura’s history of ethnic violence makes these allegations politically potent.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | Conflict Resolution Specialist | “The BJP is leveraging historical memory to consolidate tribal support.” |
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Historian of Northeast Politics | “CPI(M)’s silence on past atrocities has left a vacuum that BJP is now filling.” |
Experts agree that the BJP’s strategy is aimed at reframing the political narrative ahead of the 2026 elections.
📦 Impact on Upcoming Tripura Assembly Elections
| Political Party | Current Standing | Election Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| BJP | Ruling party, strong tribal base | Historical accountability, development agenda |
| CPI(M) | Principal opposition | Revival through grassroots mobilization |
| TIPRA Motha | Regional tribal party | Ethnic autonomy, alliance negotiations |
| Congress | Marginal presence | Anti-incumbency pitch |
The BJP’s renewed focus on CPI(M)’s past governance failures is expected to resonate with tribal voters and younger demographics.
📅 Key Political Milestones Ahead
| Event | Date | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Tripura Budget Session | November 2025 | Showcase of tribal welfare initiatives |
| Election Commission Review | January 2026 | Finalization of poll dates and logistics |
| Assembly Elections | February 2026 | First full-term test for BJP in Tripura |
| SAARC Regional Dialogue | March 2026 | Cross-border ethnic cooperation |
These milestones will shape the political climate and voter sentiment in Tripura.
📌 Conclusion
The Tripura BJP’s allegations against CPI(M) for its alleged inaction during massacres and riots, and its role in dividing tribal and non-tribal communities, have reignited historical debates and sharpened the political contest ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. As the BJP positions itself as a force of reconciliation and development, CPI(M) faces mounting pressure to confront its past and redefine its relevance. In a state where memory and identity run deep, the battle for truth and trust is far from over.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, political statements, and expert commentary as of September 6, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice.
