Former Tripura Chief Minister and Communist Party of India-Marxist Politburo member Manik Sarkar has been booked for calling for a “Jangi-type” protest to oust the BJP government, triggering sharp criticism from the CPI-M which termed it political targeting. According to Kashmir Media Service, Sarkar made the remarks at a recent rally, opposing what he described as the government’s “atrocious, anti-people and divisive policies.”

The Bengali term “Jangi” is commonly used to denote an intense political movement, but the BJP alleged it was linked to militancy and violence. At least three complaints were filed on August 13–14 at Sidhai and Lefunga police stations in West Tripura’s Mohanpur area. Subsequently, more than nine complaints were lodged across several police stations including Kalamchaura, East Agartala, Bishalgarh and Khowai.

The complainants sought action under Sections 147, 148, 152 and 353(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with charges of abetment and criminal conspiracy. Reacting to the cases, Sarkar called it a “sinister ploy” by the BJP to divert attention from pressing issues. “They have been scared over our resolve to fight them politically,” he said. Senior CPI-M leader and former Deputy Speaker Pabitra Kar said the BJP was engaged in a “futile political exercise” and that people would not be distracted from real issues.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)