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.