Agartala: Violent clashes erupted between BJP activists and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), in different parts of Tripura on Wednesday during which a couple of vehicles were set ablaze in the state capital allegedly by BJP supporters participating in a 'Dhikkar' rally.
According to CPIM sources, as soon as the BJP rally reached the Melarmath, a group from the saffron party barged into the party headquarters and indulged in vandalism. A number of vehicles and motorcycles were set afire.
The mob also entered a local media house and vandalised the office room. The office was located adjacent to the CPIM party district office at Melar math. The violent attacks rocked the city and city dwellers witnessed such violence after a long period of time.
The ruling BJP as scheduled started its 'Dhikkar' rally condemning the violent clashes that took place at Dhanpur. Speaking on the occasion, BJP vice-president Rajib Bhattacharjee said, the CPIM is banking on the evil design to tarnish the political image of BJP.
The Dhanpur incident is a part of a well-orchestrated conspiracy to trigger communal disturbances in Tripura which the BJP will never allow, he added.
Apart from Bhattacharjee, a number of senior leaders like Papiya Datta, Tnku Roy and Chief whip Kalyani Roy led the rally. However, the attack on the media house "Pratibadi Kalam" drew serious repercussions as senior journalists gathered at the local police station asking for clarification.
Union Minister of State Pratima Bhoumik and Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury rushed to the office and assured all help.
Speaking to the media the Union Minister blamed the CPIM for conspiring for the whole incident. Leader of the Opposition Manik Sarkar, on the other hand, said, his party cannot be prevented this way. "This shows the level of desperation of the ruling party. But, I want to remind them once again this can't let them succeed," he said.
Meanwhile, incidents of violence had been reported from several parts of the state. In the evening, a delegation of senior journalists gathered at West Agartala police station and asked for stringent action within 12 hours.
