BJP holds ‘Ganatantra Bachao’ padayatra in Agartala; Manik Saha, Biplab Deb target INDIA bloc

Agartala, Oct 31: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday organised a ‘Ganatantra Bachao’ (Save Democracy) padayatra in Agartala, led by Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha and former Chief Minister and MP Biplab Kumar Deb. The programme was organised to protest against what the party described as attempts by the opposition INDIA bloc to undermine democratic institutions.

The procession began in front of Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan, passed through several major roads of the city and concluded at Paradise Chowmuhani. State ministers, MLAs, senior party leaders and a large number of BJP workers and supporters participated in the march. Participants carried party flags, placards and banners bearing the slogan ‘Ganatantra Bachao, Arajakata Hatao’ (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy).

Addressing a gathering at the conclusion of the padayatra, Chief Minister Manik Saha criticised the INDIA bloc, accusing the opposition of weakening democratic institutions and promoting a culture of intimidation. He described the situation as ‘mobocracy’ and said the BJP strongly opposed what he termed a ‘rule of fear’. He maintained that violence and intimidation had no place in a democratic system.

Former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb also launched an attack on the opposition, alleging that the INDIA bloc was questioning the country’s constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission, the Supreme Court and various High Courts. He further accused the opposition of attempting to create anarchy and divide the country. Deb urged party workers and supporters to remain united.

The BJP’s programme came a day after the INDIA bloc organised a ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally in Agartala on October 30. At the rally, opposition leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury, demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and raised concerns over voter-list transparency and democratic rights.

The political activities come ahead of the November 27 elections to 21 urban local bodies in Tripura, including the Agartala Municipal Corporation. Counting of votes is scheduled for December 2, as announced by the State Election Commission.