BJP groups in Tripura clash over panchayat chief post, many hurt

Agartala: A clash erupted between two factions of the ruling BJP under Veluarchar panchayat in Sepahijala district of Tripura during the swearing-in ceremony for the village head. The violent confrontation resulted in injuries to several party workers.Lakshmi Rani Deb, the BJP’s women front leader, and her brother sustained severe injuries while attempting to mediate during the escalating violence. Tensions flared when MLA Tofazzal Hossain’s faction supported Moni Barman for the position of panchayat pradhan. This move contradicted earlier assurances that Minati Sarkar Deb, who had won uncontested, would assume the role.Barman’s announcement triggered immediate protests among Deb’s supporters. She alleged, “MLA Tofazzal Hossain and his supporters were accused of assaulting the protesters, including Minati Sarkar Deb and Lakshmi Rani Deb.” Lakshmi Rani Deb, along with several others, was rushed to hospital.The violence escalated further as enraged BJP workers blocked the Bishalgarh-Boxanagar road. They demanded swift action against MLA Hossain and his faction, alleging the use of brutal force to suppress dissent. Protesters also accused MLA Hossain of supporting criminal elements involved in drug trafficking and called for his arrest.Fearing for their safety, the affected family members sought protection from BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee and chief minister Manik Saha. They claimed they were being targeted for opposing the influential politician.Despite all 11 BJP members in the panchayat winning uncontested, the turmoil centred around the election of the pradhan, held in the presence of MLA Hossain. Reportedly, the MLA had previously promised to appoint Minati as pradhan, and she and her supporters were present in force during the panchayat proceedings.

Goa BJP gears up for zilla panchayat leadership change

The elections for the chairpersons of Goa's district zilla panchayats, now set for Sep 2, have attracted attention to BJP's choices. Resignations from Siddhesh Naik and Suvarna Tendulkar have left openings. Speculations suggest Dhaku Madkaikar or Girish Uskaikar for North Goa, and Anita Thorat or Sanjana Velip for South Goa's leadership positions.

Take Rs 25 lakh and get out of Bengal: BJP MLA to Didi

BJP MLA Amarnath Shakha stirred controversy by suggesting Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accept Rs 25 lakh and leave the state, referencing compensation issues following the R G Kar Medical College rape-murder. His remarks, criticizing compensation disparities, follow similar controversial statements made by another BJP leader, Abhijit Gangopadhyay, months earlier.

Congress MLA claims BJP planning 'Operation Kamal' to topple Karnataka govt

A Congress leader claims the BJP is attempting to destabilize the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government by offering Rs 100 crore to ruling party MLAs to switch sides under 'Operation Kamal.' Despite corruption allegations against CM Siddaramaiah, the Congress insists its 136 MLAs form a strong and united government that cannot be dislodged.