Agartala: April 13: The Tripura State Committee of CPI(ML) convened a press conference at the Agartala Press Club today, led by State Secretary Partha Karmakar and other party leaders. The conference voiced strong opposition to what it described as anti-people policies of the central and state governments. Key topics included rising fuel and cooking gas prices, the Wakf Act (Amendment)-2025, labor rights, agricultural challenges, and concerns over law and order.
Partha Karmakar criticized the Wakf Act (Amendment)-2025, claiming it infringes on the religious freedom and constitutional rights of the Muslim community by imposing government control over religious institutions. He argued that the amendment violates Articles 26, 29, 30, and 14 of the Constitution and undermines the principles of the Republic.
The conference also highlighted the financial strain on citizens due to increased cooking gas prices—now ₹550 under the Ujjwala scheme and ₹853 for regular consumers—along with a ₹2 per liter hike in petrol and diesel prices. Workers, facing unemployment and low wages, were said to be disproportionately affected by these price hikes.
Karmakar condemned alleged corruption in various government departments and criticized remarks made against opposition legislators during the Assembly’s budget session. He demanded an apology from the Parliamentary Minister and called for their dismissal if no apology was issued.
The conference further addressed international trade concerns, criticizing the impact of a 26% tariff imposed by the Trump administration on Indian exports. It accused the central government of failing to protest against this measure, which it claimed has negatively affected sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industry.
CPI(ML) called for May 1, International Workers’ Day, to be declared a public holiday in Tripura, noting that states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu have already done so. The party announced plans for a nationwide general strike on May 20, organized by central trade unions and national federations, and outlined campaigns to raise awareness among workers, farmers, students, and Anganwadi workers.
Through the press conference, CPI(ML) reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the Constitution, democracy, and the rights of ordinary citizens, while continuing its movement against what it described as fascist and corporate-driven politics.
