2 Trinamool MPs Claim They Were Attacked In Tripura, Aide Injured

Two Trinamool Congress MPs allegedly sustained severe injuries after coming under attack in Tripura twice today on their way back to Agartala from a party programme in the districts. A number of bike-bound miscreants launched the unprovoked assault, the party claimed, leaving several local leaders grievously injured. The attackers were allegedly carrying BJP flags.

Parliamentarians Aparupa Poddar and Dola Sen said the cars they were travelling in were targeted near South Tripura district's Belonia town about 70 kilometres from the capital. The two MPs were physically assaulted and their clothes partially torn.

"The miscreants were raising slogans hailing BJP, PM Modi, and Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb," Ms Sen said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later called her up and reportedly said 'jungle raj' will not be allowed to have the last say.

The first incident took place at Thaibung Bazar area under Sabroom sub-division. Bricks were hurled at them, leaving the car's windscreens and window screens smashed. Ms Sen's assistant Jakir Hossein received a head injury. The injured were brought to GB Pant hospital in Agartala for treatment.

The Trinamool MPs raised serious allegations against the Tripura police, saying they remained silent spectators and gave the attackers a free run. The party claimed 12 of its vehicles had been vandalised so far in the past couple of days.

The Trinamool leaders later returned to Agartala taking a different route fearing more attacks. The two MPs, along with Mr Hossain, are flying back to Kolkata for treatment.

The BJP in Tripura has denied any role in the incident. Mr Nabadal Banik, BJP leader, said the whole thing was "a drama" enacted by Trinamool to get media attention and to create trouble in the state.

The alleged attack came a day after a press conference held by the Trinamool in Agartala in which Ms Poddar, an MP from Arambagh, was among others who taunted Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb saying his days in the position were now numbered.

The two MPs are a part of a team in Tripura to mark Independence Day in that state and to celebrate Khela Hobe Divas, which the Trinamool is observing on August 16 ostensibly to promote sports. However, it is also the party's push for political space beyond West Bengal.

Trinamool functionaries, including senior leaders like National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, have in recent days claimed to have come under attack from BJP supporters in Tripura.

On August 8, Mr Banerjee, nephew of Chief Minister Banerjee, visited the northeastern state following reported attacks on his party leaders. While even the CPIM has condemned such attacks, the BJP has denied being involved in such incidents.

Mr Banerjee has said his party will not be intimidated.

"The goons of BJP Tripura have shown their true colours. This...reveals the 'goonda raj' in Tripura under Biplab's (Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb) government...Your threats and attacks only prove your inhumanity. Do what you can. Trinamool will not budge an inch," he tweeted on August 8.

His convoy was attacked by alleged BJP workers during his earlier visit to Tripura on August 2. He even tweeted a video of the assault.

The TMC turned the spotlight on Tripura after 18 associates of poll strategist Prashant Kishor were allegedly detained in an Agartala hotel on charge of violating Covid norms. The team had gone there on assignment from Trinamool to examine the ground political situation in the poll-bound state.