Blocking opposition rallies in Vivekananda stadium, govt cannot stop marches of people to restore democracy, CPI (M)

The opposition CPI(M) on Monday accused the state BJP government of attempting to prevent opposition parties from holding rallies at the Swami Vivekananda ground (Astable ground) in Agartala because of fear-psychosis .

Addressing a massive rally and meeting of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) at Orient Chowmuhani area of Agartala before beginning of the 16th state conference of CITU, leader of opposition (LoP) and CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury said that from his school-days witnesses that political meetings of ruling and opposition parties always being organized at Vivekananda stadium since the state’s transition from princely rule to democracy.

“But, under the present dispensation of BJP-IPFT-Tipura Motha government, the  historic ground remains busy most of the time with government-backed trade fairs or exhibitions to avoid democratic rights of political parties," Chaudhury said.

He alleged that the government’s attempt of keeping the venue occupied with official programmes reflected only its apprehension about the growing activities of opposition parties.

He alleged that the government knew the CITU will organise a mammoth rally at Vivekananda ground to mark its state conference. This is why the ground was kept occupied for weeks by hosting trade fairs. It shows the apprehension of the ruling party about its opponent, said Chaudhury.

“Where is ‘ek Tripura, shretha tripura’, there are only drug abuses and riring of crime against women,” said Chaudhury and alleged that during the past seven and half years, ruling BJP destroyed the state and common people are struggling to maintain their livelihood.

He also alleged that with Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by Election Commission of India (ECI), the ruling BJP was trying to capture the mandate of common people. Chaudhury hoped that with the results of Bihar assembly elections on November 14 next, the fall of BJP will start across the country.

Addressing the gathering former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said the ruling party is scared of the rise of the CPI(M) in the region and claimed that in the coming days peace loving people of Tripura by defeating all conspiracies will again restore the democracy in  the state..

They are scared of CPI(M)’s programmes at Vivekananda ground. The government did not give permission to hold the rally there. That is why CITU organised today’s rally at Orient Chowmuhani without seeking police permission. Now, people may have to do the same in the future too, Sarkar said.

During the rally the all India general secretary of CITU, Tapan Sen  also addressed the gathering by slamming both state and central governments for its anti-working class policies.