AGARTALA | AUGUST 27, 2026: The floor of the Tripura Legislative Assembly witnessed stormy debates and sharp political altercations on Thursday after Parliamentary Affairs and Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath labeled the opposition CPI(M) as “anti-national” and “foreign agents”.
The confrontation broke out during the first day of the assembly session, triggering shouting matches between treasury and opposition benches that forced Speaker Rampada Jamatia to adjourn house proceedings prematurely before the lunch recess.
Core Flashpoint & Allegations
- Controversy Over Cuban Ambassador’s Visit: The row erupted when Minister Ratan Lal Nath raised objections to an event held at Rabindra Bhavan marking the centenary of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, attended by Cuban Ambassador Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera and CPI(M) leaders.
- Allegations of Disrespecting National Symbols: Nath alleged that during the event, Cuban national flags outnumbered the Indian Tricolour, proper protocol for the national anthem was ignored, and opposition leaders made remarks disparaging India’s current governance before a foreign delegate.
- “Foreign Agent” Charge: Taking a aggressive stance, Minister Ratan Lal Nath accused Left Front legislators of prioritizing foreign ideologies over national interests, referring to them as “Chinese” and “Pakistani” agents on the floor of the house.
Opposition Counter-Attack & Rebuttal
Responding forcefully inside the chamber and later during a press conference at his assembly office, Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury dismissed the ruling party’s allegations as baseless distraction tactics:
- Distortion of Remarks: Chaudhury accused the ruling BJP of twisting his speech to lecture the opposition on nationalism and hide its own administrative failures, including rising power tariffs.
- Retort on Patriotism: Rejecting calls for an apology, the CPI(M) State Secretary retaliated by calling the BJP and RSS “agents of foreign and imperialist powers,” claiming that the RSS historically refrained from hoisting the Indian national flag at its headquarters for decades.
- Protocol Upheld: Chaudhury clarified that national flags of both India and Cuba were respectfully displayed throughout the venue and that solidarity with anti-imperialist movements aligns with traditional Indian values.
Key Leaders Involved
- Ratan Lal Nath: Minister for Parliamentary Affairs & Power, Government of Tripura.
- Jitendra Chaudhury: Leader of the Opposition & State Secretary, CPI(M).
- Rampada Jamatia: Hon’ble Speaker, Tripura Legislative Assembly.
