Manik Sarkar’s sudden activism raises eyebrows

Political analysts downplays his ambition to become CM

Our Bureau

AGARTALA, June 24 2022: Former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar who was thrown out of power owing to huge anti-incumbency in 2018 assembly elections has renewed political activism a day after bypolls held for four assembly constituencies. The CPI(M) politburo member was mysteriously missing in the left front’s ‘low voltage’  campaign except his occasional appearance in 6-Agartala constituency.

But the leader swung into action Friday to remain relevant in media and politics by reaching out to a few victims of atrocious attacks carried out by the criminals on the polling day. He is apparently in the race against time to beat his current competitor - CPI(M) state Secretary Jitendra Chowdhury.

Manik Sarkar was chief minister cum home minister of the state for 20 long years and numerous national, state and local elections were held under his nose. One may rightfully ask him how many political activists were murdered, maimed, kidnapped and left homeless in incidents linked to the campaign and elections during his stint.

It’s countless.

The victims and their families never had access to justice and redress. People had to bow head before the left sponsored gangsters and their diktats.

Political analysts say the sudden spurt in actions of the former lavish Chief Minister is the crux of the prediction of a section of news media that state’s incumbent BJP might not do well in a couple of seats that went to bypolls. But they downplayed his (Manik Sarkar’s) return as Chief Minister in 2023 state assembly elections  as no way CPI(M) can reach double digit mark in 60-member assembly.