Tripura: Cheering BJP supporters bring down Lenin statue
The post-poll violence in Tripura came to a climax when BJP supporters razed a statue of Lenin in Belonia amid 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' chants, less than 48 hours after results. CPI(M) alleged 'Communism phobia;' BJP claimed people "oppressed" by the Left were coming out. Incidentally, one of India's most prominent Lenin statues in Kolkata stands tall seven years after the TMC toppled the Left.
Watch: Lenin statue toppled amid loud 'Bharat Mata' slogans
The BJP drastically increased its vote-share in Tripura
In Tripura, the BJP alliance won 43/60 seats, defeating the Left for the first time in 25 years with its vote-share peaking at 42.8%, 41.3% higher than 2013. Later, party chief Amit Shah said, "Left is not right for any part of India," adding workers had faced communist violence with "exemplary bravery." However, CPI(M)'s vote-share declined only marginally, from 48.11% (2013) to 42.7% (2018).
BJP, CPI(M)'s blame game after post-poll violence
Since results were declared on March 3, police said they have received four complaints of violence, including arson at two CPI(M) offices in Sidhai and CPI(M)-BJP clashes at Kadamtala. But CPI(M) alleged BJP had indulged in arson and loot at over 1,500 houses and ransacked hundreds of small shops and rubber gardens. Over 240 people were injured, CPI(M) secretary Haripada Das claimed.
CPI(M) accused BJP-IPFT leadership of coordinated attacks
The fall of Lenin in Tripura
Yesterday, BPJ supporters were carrying out a victory rally in Belonia town, said secretary Raju Nath. When they reached College Square, a excavator accidentally hit the railing around the statue, he said. "The supporters surrounded the driver and made him bring down the statue." CPI(M)'s Tapas Datta claimed BJP supporters then dismembered the head from the statue and "played football with Lenin's head."
Governor Tathagata Roy defends actions
Statue was installed after the Left's 2013 win
Nath claimed resentment had been building "for years." "What does this foreigner Lenin have to do with our people?" But he denied they had hired the excavator and said people living nearby had "had enough" with the Left. The 11.5ft statue was sculpted by local artist Krishna Debnath. It was installed after the CPI(M) began its 21st year of rule after winning in 2013.
Inquiry underway in the case
SP Ipper Monchak said the excavator's driver had been arrested and later released on bail. An inquiry is on. BJP has claimed CPI(M) workers assaulted 49 of its supporters, but has also warned of "stern" action against party supporters if they indulged in violence. Subal Bhowmick, Tripura BJP VP, claimed CPI(M) workers who had migrated to the BJP were behind the unrest.
