Tripura BJP president and MLA Abhishek Debroy on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the CPI(M), accusing the party of misleading people by alleging that democracy has declined in the state.

Addressing a commemorative programme for those allegedly killed by CPI(M) workers in 2004, Debroy criticised former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury, alleging that several incidents of violence and unrest took place during the Left Front government’s long rule.

Taking a strong jibe at the CPI(M) leadership, Debroy said its senior leaders should “wear burqas to hide their faces” over the alleged killings and violence during their tenure.

He accused the previous Left government of failing to ensure justice in cases of political violence and claimed that some people involved in crimes were later rewarded with government jobs.

Referring to an alleged murder during a Panchayat election, Debroy claimed that an opposition candidate who had won was killed and his body was thrown into a river. He questioned whether such incidents represented democracy.

The BJP leader also cited the killing of 26 people by militants in Kalyanpur, Khowai, in 1996, questioning why the then CPI(M) MLA was not targeted.

Debroy said the BJP government believes in the rule of law and claimed that action has been taken against party leaders and workers whenever they have been accused of wrongdoing.

He urged people to come forward and protest against the CPI(M), alleging that the party was attempting to return to what he described as the “old system” of governance.

Debroy further claimed that despite allegations against the government, CPI(M) leaders are freely holding meetings and criticising the administration, which, he said, proves that democracy exists in Tripura.