Tripura’s political landscape witnessed a significant development as the CPI(M)-led opposition announced a boycott of the remaining days of the ongoing budget session. The decision stems from allegations of the Speaker, Biswabndhu Sen, stifling the opposition’s voice within the sacred halls of the Assembly. Opposition leader Jitendra Choudhury, addressing a press conference, asserted that democracy was being ‘murdered’ at the hands of the Speaker. He further accused the BJP government of systematically undermining democratic principles throughout its tenure.
The immediate trigger for the boycott was an incident during the budget discussion on March 24th. Choudhury, while participating in the debate, alleged that a select few within the ruling dispensation were siphoning off public funds through commissions and ‘cut money’ practices. In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath reportedly made disparaging remarks, which Choudhury deemed as an affront to the dignity of the Assembly. Consequently, the opposition leader submitted a privilege motion against the minister.
However, the Speaker’s subsequent actions added fuel to the fire. Sen acknowledged receiving two privilege motions but stated that Nath’s motion, submitted first, was accepted, while Choudhury’s motion was rejected. This decision drew sharp criticism from the opposition, who maintained that their motion was filed prior to the minister’s. Choudhury accused the Speaker of compromising the sanctity of the Assembly by disregarding established procedures.
