The Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Tripura has launched a blistering attack on Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, accusing him of deliberately spreading falsehoods about the opposition to mask growing tensions within the ruling coalition.

During a press conference at the Tripura Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury condemned what he described as the Chief Minister’s “irresponsible abuse” of his constitutional position. Chaudhury, who also serves on the CPI(M) Politburo, claimed Dr. Saha has reduced himself to functioning as a BJP spokesperson rather than serving as the Chief Minister for all citizens.

“The Chief Minister is repeatedly using unparliamentary language and circulating fabricated narratives. This is not only misleading the people but also severely damaging the dignity of the Chief Minister’s chair,” Chaudhury stated, suggesting that Dr. Saha was being “misinformed by his team.”

At the heart of the controversy is the deteriorating relationship between the BJP and its coalition partner TIPRA Motha. According to Chaudhury, the Chief Minister has been deflecting blame for this internal crisis by falsely accusing the CPI(M) of attempting to seize power “through the backdoor.”

The CPI(M) leader revealed that the BJP-TIPRA Motha alliance has been plagued by conflicts since its formal establishment in March 2024. “Today, the alliance has degenerated to such an extent that incidents of bloodshed, arson, and street violence between ruling allies have become a daily occurrence. Yet, they continue to cling to power without any moral responsibility,” Chaudhury alleged.

He further claimed that TIPRA Motha had a “pre-arranged and concealed understanding” with the BJP from its inception. During the 2023 Assembly elections, Chaudhury alleged the party deliberately contested 23 non-tribal reserved seats—despite having minimal chances of winning—solely to fracture the Left’s indigenous support base, thereby helping secure the BJP’s return to power.

Chaudhury took particular exception to Dr. Saha’s claim that the CPI(M) introduced insurgency to Tripura, calling it “historically false and morally offensive.” He emphasized that the Left Front and CPI(M) had actually suffered extensively from extremist violence, with numerous party leaders—including ministers, MLAs, and Autonomous District Council members—being assassinated by insurgent groups.

“Dozens of our leaders were assassinated by extremist forces. To blame us for insurgency is an insult to those martyrs and to the people of Tripura,” Chaudhury said, highlighting the party’s historical role in restoring peace to the northeastern state.

The opposition leader further alleged widespread corruption within the ruling coalition, claiming the BJP is “openly looting non-TTAADC areas,” while TIPRA Motha is “systematically plundering” regions under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).

Political tensions in Tripura have intensified in recent months, with public disputes between the Chief Minister and TIPRA Motha leadership becoming increasingly common. Chaudhury suggested these confrontations demonstrate the fundamental instability of the governing arrangement.

“While the Chief Minister and the TIPRA Motha supremo are publicly hurling threats and using crude, violent language against each other, Dr. Saha is shamelessly dragging the CPI(M) into their internal mess,” he remarked.

Chaudhury concluded with a warning that continued misuse of the Chief Minister’s office for partisan attacks would undermine public trust in constitutional institutions. He urged Dr. Saha to immediately cease spreading falsehoods, identify those providing him with misinformation, and correct his statements.

“He is not merely a BJP leader; he is the Chief Minister of Tripura. If he continues on this path—it will tarnish the democratic fabric and the image of the state,” Chaudhury asserted.

The public confrontation highlights the increasingly fractious political environment in Tripura, where coalition politics and tribal representation remain contentious issues. The CPI(M), which governed Tripura for decades before being displaced by the BJP in 2018, has consistently positioned itself as the primary opposition force in the state.