Former Tripura CM slams State government for arresting CPI(M) workers on ‘flimsy grounds’

Former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Tuesday (November 25, 2025) accused the BJP-led State government of harassing CPI(M) workers for attending a rally called by the CITU, an affiliate of the party. The CPI(M) politburo member alleged that the BJP is forcing the police to arrest workers of Left parties and supporters on “flimsy grounds”.

He said that the use of “unethical means and pressure tactics” to muzzle the voices of people would “boomerang and isolate the oppressors”, and condemned the arrests of four Left workers after the CITU rally in Agartala on November 10, 2025.

Mr. Sarkar visited the residences of all four detained party workers in Dukli and Kabiraj Tilla localities and met their family members. He was accompanied by senior Left leaders, including former Minister Manik Dey, who heads the CITU in Tripura.

Mr. Sarkar said the BJP “got scared” after seeing a huge turnout at the CITU rally and unleashed “repressive measures”. He said the rally was successful despite the police denying permission.

Police said the four workers were arrested for allegedly defying restrictions and trying to walk through a flyover to attend the rally in violation of prohibitory orders. The CITU and CPI(M) have denied the charge.