As the already deferred ADC elections were drawing nearer, serious desperation of regional political parties, specifically, IPFT seemed to have become palpable to wrest power in the ensuing polls using muscle power.
At least, the series of political tensions prevailing in areas where the junior ally of the ruling alliance dominates indicate the same.
In the latest incident on Wednesday, tension prevailed between BJP and IPFT, the ruling allies, centering inauguration of a new BJP party office at Khumulwng.
The designated BJP party office at Khumulwng’s old degree college area was reduced to ashes allegedly by the IPFT supporters, and other relevant arrangements, such as makeshift stages, poles for flag hoisting etc. were vandalized in broad daylight. Sources said that the attack was launched to foil a big joining programme of the BJP, which was scheduled to take place tomorrow.
However, the incident triggered massive resentment among the local BJP leaders and simmering tension began to brew. Activists of both the parties also started to gather in the area and it was the local police, which intervened and succeeded to disperse the mob assuring action against the culprits.
It had been also reported that for a certain period supporters of both the parties laid siege surrounding the area and no one was allowed to enter. It was the police, fire tenders vehicles that were allowed to enter, and the tension reduced henceforth.
“A big chunk of IPFT’s support base had decided to join the saffron fold. The party which was suffering from serious inner-fights after a number of influential leaders like Ananta Debbarma deserted the party was struggling to keep its vote bank intact. The ADC polls were very crucial for them and if they fail to secure a decent number like Lok Sabha polls, the party will be nowhere to be remembered”, Sources said.
“A building was set on fire this morning by some miscreants. Later, it was revealed that the building was to be converted into a BJP party office on Thursday. Centering the issue, party workers of BJP and IPFT began to gather in the area and the situation turned highly volatile. The police and Fire service team rushed to the spot and tackled the boiling situation”, an on-duty police official of Rdhapur police station said, adding that they had been informed and sought prior permission of a political programme scheduled to take place on the very next day.
BJP spokesperson, Nabendu Bhattacharjee said, “Our party office has been attacked by politically motivated miscreants. We have urged our party workers to stay calm and wait for the police action. The police are also informed by us to take necessary action against the people involved in such activities”.
However, no one from the IPFT could be contacted to comment on the issue after repeated attempts. Some calls remained unanswered whereas some phones were kept in switched off mode. However, similar problems had emerged in Takarjala where a BJP’s organizational meeting was attacked and some other parts of the state. Almost in similar fashion, CPIM party offices were burnt and attacked before the 2018 assembly elections in the hills.
2 CRPF personnel killed in attack by armed group in Manipur
Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, including a Sub Inspector, were killed and two others have been injured after armed groups attacked a camp of security forces in Manipur’s Bishnupur district early on Saturday, police said.
Land subsidence leaves 350 people homeless in J&K’s Ramban District
Over 350 people in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K’s) Ramban District abandoned their homes on Saturday after destruction of the houses due to land subsidence.
Houthi leader vows to continue maritime attacks, calls Indian Ocean 'new theatre of confrontation'
Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of Yemen's Houthi group, has vowed to continue its naval operations in the Red Sea, rejecting media reports suggesting a decrease in Houthi maritime attacks, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.
Second phase of Lok Sabha polls sees enthusiastic voter turnout from Jammu to Kerala, Maharashtra to Tripura
The BJP, holding a significant number of seats in this phase, considers these elections crucial for maintaining and expanding its influence to secure a substantial majority in the Lok Sabha.
EC suspends 26 Tripura govt staff for taking part in political events, violation of poll code
The Election Commission (EC) has so far suspended 26 Tripura government employees, including security personnel, for participating in political events, election campaigns, and violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC),
Massive crowd greets PM Modi in Bareilly roadshow
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a massive roadshow in Bareilly to garner support for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Chhatrapal Gangwar.
Police revolver among large cache of arms seized from Sandeshkhali, claims CBI
A Colt official police revolver was among a large cache of firearms seized by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from a house at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Paragans, the CBI claimed in a statement issued on Friday evening.
DMs, SPs of violence-hit MP districts transferred
The farmers agitation entered its eighth day on Thursday. The peasants have been on strike since June 1, demanding loan waiver and fair price for their produce.