Only a day after 7 illegal structures were demolished by authorities in Tripura belonging to various political parties and their trade unions, the authorities have demolished three more; this time in G.B. Bazaar area. “We have demolished three more political offices at G B Bazar area as those were built illegally on government land. The offices belonged to Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, CPI(M) and INC,” West Tripura District Magistrate Ramteke told reporters.
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh is affiliated to the RSS, the parent organization of the BJP. Chief Minister Biplab Deb had asserted earlier that action would be taken on illegal structures regardless of their political affiliations. He had said, “If offices of any political party, including BJP, are found illegally on public land, action would be taken.”
Dr Ramteke indicated that the demolition drive is likely to continue. “We have identified 104 illegal structures of political parties and their affiliated organisations in West Tripura district. All the structures would be demolished in a phased manner,” he said.
Local CPI(M) and Congress leaders have registered a strong objection to the government’s action against illegal structures. CPI(M) Trade Union leader Manik Dey claimed that the demolition drive reminded him of the Emergency. Congress leaders staged protests against the move and claimed that the drive exceeded martial law.
