Agartala: Nov 02. Opposition Leader and CPI(M) Politburo Member Jitendra Choudhury has sharply criticized the state government’s decision to deny permission to the Youth Tipra Federation (YTF) the youth wing of the Tipra Motha Party from holding a mass rally at Agartala’s Astabal ground on November 7, terming the restriction “undemocratic” and a “wrong message” to the people.
Choudhury said, “Our party CPI(M) believes that under a democratic system, every organization or party should be protected and allowed to organize such events for their democratic rights. It can be Tipra Motha or any other party they have their rights. The way the government has prevented it is not correct. We will not endorse such a restriction.”
Reacting sharply to Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman’s remarks, who had said that any rally or gathering should be prohibited in the current situation, Choudhury countered, “It is not a correct assessment.” He further pointed out that the Tipra Motha Party is one of the allies in the government and wouldn’t do anything that would deteriorate law and order.
While acknowledging the recent incident of violence in Salema Block, the CPI-M leader clarified, “Yes, violence took place there, but that doesn’t mean violence will be everywhere. The restriction is not justified, and we wouldn’t support it.” He added, “If any issues arise that go against the government, against democratic values, or anti-people interests, they should be dealt with and replied democratically not by preventing people from gathering.”
Earlier, the Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), West Tripura, issued a formal communication denying permission to the YTF’s proposed mass rally at Vivekananda Ground, citing safety and public convenience concerns. According to the letter, the ground’s half portion is currently occupied by the ongoing International Expo, which draws large crowds including women, children, and foreign delegates. The SDPO warned that conducting a rally simultaneously could lead to congestion and “potential stampede-like situations,” endangering public safety and property.
The police also noted that the Astabal Ground’s central location and adjoining roads serve as vital routes for hospital and city traffic, and a large gathering could severely disrupt movement and emergency services.
Earlier, Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman had urged the organizers to call off the programme, saying “communal tension is prevailing in many places,” and reminding that Section 163 had been imposed at Shantirbazar following violence. “My appeal is to postpone the programme (November 7) for an indefinite period,” Barman told reporters at the press conference in Pradesh Congress Bhawan.
Choudhury reiterated that “Yes the government may have cites reason of Expo- and other issues, However, the action has not sent a correct message.
