By Tripura24.in Reporter
As the Left-backed trade unions attempted to paralyze Tripura during today’s Bharat Bandh, a strong counter-movement emerged in the capital. Activists from the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) organized massive rallies across Agartala, urging citizens to reject the strike and maintain normalcy.
“Work, Not Bandh”: Protesters Challenge Shutdown
From the early hours of Thursday, BJYM and BMS supporters were seen patrolling key commercial hubs to ensure that shops remained open and transport services continued uninterrupted.
- Rally at City Center: Hundreds of BJYM members took out a bike rally that traversed through Akhaura Road, Post Office Chowmuhani, and GB Bazar, carrying national flags and placards that read “Tripura Rejects Strike Culture.”
- Transport Assurance: BMS leaders were stationed at the Nagerjala and Chandrapur motor stands, encouraging drivers to operate their vehicles. They assured the transport workers of full protection against any intimidation by picketers.
Leadership Highlights Development Over Disruptions
Speaking during a protest demonstration at Paradise Chowmuhani, BJYM State President criticized the Left Front for attempting to stall the state’s progress.
”The people of Tripura have seen through the CPI(M)’s tactics. While the Prime Minister is working toward a Viksit Bharat, these organizations are trying to halt the economy for their narrow political gains. Today, Agartala is open, and it is a slap to the face of those who want to see the state in darkness,” the leader stated.
BMS state secretary Biplab Majumder added that the strike was “politically motivated” and did not represent the true interests of the working class, citing the central government’s recent welfare schemes as evidence of pro-labor governance.
Impact of the Counter-Movement
The active presence of BJYM and BMS workers significantly diluted the impact of the Bharat Bandh in the capital:
- Commercial Activity: Most shops in Gol Bazar and Kaman Chowmuhani remained open under the watchful eye of the counter-protesters.
- Public Transport: While inter-district bus services saw a slight dip in the morning, local e-rickshaws (Tom-Toms) and private cars moved freely throughout the day.
- Security Deployment: To prevent direct confrontations between Left-wing picketers and the BJYM/BMS supporters, the Tripura Police maintained a strict buffer zone at all major intersections.
A Shift in Political Climate
Political analysts suggest that today’s events reflect a changing landscape in Tripura, where the “strike culture” that once defined the state’s politics is now being actively challenged on the streets by the ruling party’s wings.
