Tripura TMC office vandalised, party alleges state-sponsored attack

The TMC on Wednesday hit out at the BJP over the vandalism at its Tripura unit office, alleging that “state-sponsored political terrorism” had been unleashed in the northeastern state under the saffron party’s rule.

The incident occurred on Monday at the Banamalipur office in Agartala, where a group of individuals reportedly entered during working hours, smashing furniture, breaking windows, and defacing walls with threatening slogans. Party officials claimed the attack was carried out under the watchful eyes of the Tripura police, who allegedly did not intervene, raising serious concerns about law enforcement inaction.

Background: Observers say the attack is part of ongoing political tensions between the BJP and TMC in Tripura. Banamalipur, formerly represented by ex-Chief Minister Biplab Deb, has long been a politically sensitive area. TMC leaders allege that BJP, unable to defeat them in West Bengal, is using its administrative and organizational power in Tripura to intimidate opposition workers ahead of upcoming elections. The party also accused BJP of attempts to create divisions among Bengali communities in the state, which make up a significant portion of the population.

West Bengal minister Shashi Panja said a five-member TMC delegation has been sent to Tripura to meet affected workers and assess the damage. “Banamalipur has now become a symbol of state terror,” she said, showing photographs of the vandalised office.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee condemned the attack in a tweet, stating that BJP workers had ransacked the office under police supervision, exposing what he called the party’s “vindictive and lawless mindset.” Recalling earlier assaults on TMC leaders, including an attack on his convoy in 2021, Banerjee said the delegation would visit Tripura to support local workers and raise the matter with the state administration. “Intimidation and violence will never silence us. Democracy, law, and the people’s mandate will always prevail over BJP’s brute politics,” he asserted.

TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty described the incident as “certified lumpen rule,” questioning BJP’s commitment to democratic principles. Panja also highlighted past instances where injured TMC workers were denied FIRs and local treatment, calling it part of a broader pattern of political harassment.

The recent attack comes ahead of the 2025 state assembly by-elections, intensifying concerns about the safety of opposition offices and party workers.

As the TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee has not commented on the Tripura office vandalism as of now. In her capacity as party leader, she has previously condemned attacks on TMC workers in Tripura and other states. While the Tripura BJP has not responded to the allegations, TMC leaders warned that such incidents undermine the democratic space for opposition parties unless addressed immediately.