A controversy erupted in Tripura after a video allegedly showing Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma in a heated exchange with an auto driver in her home constituency Pecharthal went viral on social media, drawing sharp reactions from opposition parties and trade unions.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, sparked allegations that the minister behaved aggressively and physically assaulted an innocent transport worker. Opposition leaders condemned the incident, calling for strict action and accountability.
On Friday, protests were staged by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), along with its affiliated bodies such as the Tripura Motor Sramik Union and the All India Road Transport Workers’ Federation, outside the state Labour Commissioner’s office. Demonstrators demanded a thorough probe into the incident and sought the minister’s removal from the state cabinet.
CITU leader Amal Chakraborty alleged that such an incident involving a sitting minister was unprecedented in the state. He claimed that despite being accompanied by police and security personnel, the minister chose to intervene directly instead of allowing authorities to handle the situation. The union also announced plans to submit a formal complaint to the Labour Commissioner seeking appropriate action.
Responding to the allegations, Minister Santana Chakma denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the viral video presents a misleading and incomplete version of events. She stated that the incident occurred while she was returning from a political कार्यक्रम and encountered a traffic jam, during which she noticed an altercation between an auto driver, his brother, and a relative.
According to Chakma, the individuals involved were intoxicated and engaged in a heated argument. She said she intervened only to defuse the situation and urged them to maintain public decorum. However, she alleged that a portion of the interaction was selectively recorded and circulated to create a false narrative.
Calling the viral clip a “political stunt,” Chakma claimed it was aimed at damaging her image and dividing Chakma voters ahead of the TTAADC elections. She maintained that eyewitnesses present at the scene would support her version if required, insisting that she acted solely to restore order.
