CPI(ML) Calls for United Struggle to Protect Democracy in Tripura: Partha Karmakar's Press Conference Highlights 14 Key Issues, US Imperialism and the Wakf Act 2025

13th April, 2025 Agartala, Tripura: The political climate and the future of democracy in Tripura were the main concerns raised by Partha Karmakar, the State Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) [CPI(ML)], at a press conference held at the Agartala Press Club. Karmakar expressed deep anxiety over the current situation, claiming that under the BJP government both at the Centre and in the state, the constitution, citizens' rights, and democracy are under severe threat. He asserted that basic human rights are being stripped away, and the shadow of authoritarianism is rapidly closing in. On Rapid price hike He added that As a result of the increased tariffs, the prices of essential commodities like petrol, diesel, cooking gas, generic medicines, and baby food have risen significantly, causing serious hardship for the general population. The government's silence is allegedly deepening the crises of inflation and fiscal deficit.Meanwhile, India’s Industry Minister and the Modi government have been seen supporting this aggressive tariff move, reportedly entering into deals with the U.S. involving the exchange of rubber plantations, mineral resources, and oil industries. This has raised concerns about India compromising its sovereign interests and gradually turning into a trusted subordinate state of the United States by 2025–26. He also announced that the party is preparing for a larger mass movement across the state in response to the growing concerns.  

In his speech, Karmakar highlighted 14 critical issues that reflect the political and social crisis in the country today. Firstly, he warned of attempts to establish fascist rule in India, with the judiciary, election commission, and media being manipulated to trample upon the democratic rights of the people. Secondly, he expressed concerns that a BJP majority in the 2024 General Elections could lead to plans to amend the constitution, which would reduce the rights of minorities, Dalits, Indigenous people, and other backward communities. Thirdly, he pointed out the growing political divide caused by religious and class-based polarisation, aimed at distracting the public from real issues.

Karmakar also raised concerns about the escalating cost of living, including the soaring prices of essentials like petrol, diesel, gas, rice, and pulses, and the government's failure to address the crisis. Furthermore, he highlighted the dire situation faced by farmers, including lack of fair prices, increasing land encroachments, and rising suicide rates due to corporate farming policies. Employment was another pressing issue, with rising unemployment despite promises of government jobs.

Karmakar criticised the deterioration of education and healthcare, pointing to the closure of public schools, a lack of teacher recruitment, and the privatisation of healthcare services. He also raised alarms about the erosion of Indigenous peoples' rights, with the introduction of corporate farming practices and the cessation of traditional methods like jhum cultivation, particularly in the hilly regions. The growing number of incidents of violence against women in Tripura was also noted, with a lack of justice for victims under the protection of ruling party affiliates.

He also accused the government of suppressing opposition parties' political rights through tactics such as halting rallies, tearing posters, and filing false cases. Moreover, he claimed that during elections, the administration was showing clear bias, and that workers had no rights, with exploitation rampant in both private and public sectors.

Karmakar further pointed out the weak transportation and communication systems in Tripura, stressing that the state remains inadequately connected to the national infrastructure. He also accused the BJP of indulging in election rigging and booth capturing, stating that elections in the state are held under a climate of fear, with voters coerced into casting their ballots.

In addition to these 14 issues, Karmakar discussed international concerns, particularly the growing threat posed by US imperialism and the economic warfare spearheaded by the Trump administration. He condemned the imposition of a 26% tax on over 100 countries, including India, under the guise of economic sanctions, which he argued was benefiting the global elite while crushing ordinary citizens.

Karmakar also strongly opposed the Wakf Act 2025, which he claimed posed a direct threat to India’s constitution and religious freedoms. He argued that the bill would damage religious institutions such as madrassas, Islamic research centres, and mosques, and violate the constitution’s provisions on the right to religious practice and management of institutions.

Concluding his address, Karmakar made it clear that there is no alternative to a united mass movement against these issues. He stated, “To bring about change, we need organised resistance and to awaken the power of the people. We will conduct rallies, public meetings, marches, protests, and blockades at block, district, and state levels.” He called for the involvement of student, youth, farmer, worker, women, and Indigenous organisations in shaping this larger movement.

Karmakar wrapped up the press conference by reaffirming his belief in the power of the people. “The current political objective is to silence the people through fear. But history has shown that the more repression, the stronger the resistance. We believe the power of the people is the ultimate force. With integrity and determination, we will reach every household.”

The press conference, led by Partha Karmakar, sent a strong message of organised resistance and protest, marking the beginning of a new phase of political struggle in Tripura, with hopes of adding a fresh dimension to the state's future political landscape.