Gandacherra incident is a conspiracy hatched by the BJP for political interests: Congress

Agartala July 19: Tripura is standing at crossroads, its democratic fabric fraying and the citizens are caught in the crossfire. Most importantly all these are pre-planned outcomes of the BJP-led government in Tripura, claimed the AICC Observers.

Stressing that the Congress is working hard to revive the essence of India’s democratic ideals, the AICC Observers addressed the press on Friday from the Pradesh Congress headquarters in the state capital alleging “non-cooperation” from the government in visiting Gandacherra.

MP Gourav Gogoi, one of the AICC Observers while speaking to the media said, “We came to access the overall situation in Tripura and wanted to visit violence stricken Gandacherra but our trip got cancelled because of non-co-operation from the state The state administrations government’s end”.

Condemning the series of attacks on Congress leaders and workers ahead of the crucial Panchayat elections, Gogoi said, “In the 2-days inquiry into the overall scenario especially the political terrorism in Tripura we can say that the state, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, is now grappling with escalating tensions”.

The MP expressed his dismay over the deteriorating law and order situation and accused the ruling BJP of undermining democracy, comparing Tripura’s plight to a “Murder of Democracy.”

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi even likened each Congress worker in Tripura to a resilient “tiger.”

MP Tariq Anwar while speaking to the press claimed that the AICC is serious about the issues going on in Tripura and are in full support of the party for fighting against the ‘fascist force’ in the interest of the common people.

“On July 12, social violence erupted in Gandacherra. The death of a tribal youth triggered looting and arson, affecting around 165 families. The state government’s information indicates that certain parts of Gandacherra were set ablaze, leaving a trail of destruction.

As the panchayat elections approach, incidents of terrorism continue to plague the state. A CPIM candidate fell victim to political terror, and the homes of Congress leaders were burned. Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman has also been attacked”, he said.

Anwar added, “The state administration which is playing the role of a silent spectator, denied our visit to Gandacherra raising further questions about the transparency and accountability of the BJP led government”.

The AICC Observers however mentioned that the detailed reports of the 2-day visit will be taken up to the senior authorities of the party in Delhi and also the matters will be discussed in the upcoming Parliament session.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman strongly criticized the role of Judiciary, Executive and Media adding that all are succumbed under pressure of the BJP led government.

He said, “From South Tripura to Dhalai, Congress candidates failed to submit nominations in 3,380 gram panchayat and panchayat samiti seats”.

He also claimed that the entire Gandacherra incident is a political got-up framed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their own vested interests.

TPCC president Asish Kumar Saha, AICC in-charge for Tripura Girish Chodankar among others also remained present during the press conference.