Agartala, Aug 27 (PTI): The Tripura Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes on Thursday after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath called the CPI(M) “anti-national” and a “foreign agent”, triggering a heated exchange between treasury and opposition benches.
Nath made the remarks shortly after Question Hour while referring to Cuban Ambassador Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera’s recent visit to the state.
The minister said the ambassador, who was on a three-day visit to the state, had not visited the offices of any political party except the CPI(M) state headquarters.
Nath said that at an event held at Rabindra Bhavan on August 21, the Cuban ambassador had criticised the US for its “colonial mindset” and praised Tripura’s greenery, comparing it with that of his country.
“Assembly’s Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury was also heard expressing repentance over India’s colonial mindset, whereas our country has never taken control of any country,” Nath said.
Nath also claimed that the national song and national anthem were not played at the event and that a small paper flag was used to represent the national flag, while large Cuban national flags were displayed.
His remarks led to a heated exchange between BJP MLAs and CPI(M) legislators, with Nath accusing the CPI(M) of disrespecting nationalism.
Nath was also heard asking CPI(M) lawmakers to leave the House, following which Chaudhury retorted, “Who are you to ask me to leave the place?”
Unable to conduct the proceedings, Speaker Rampada Jamatia adjourned the House till noon. The Assembly resumed normal proceedings after the recess.
Later, speaking to reporters, Chaudhury accused Nath of distorting his remarks to lecture the opposition on nationalism.
“We love and respect our nation but not the way the BJP and RSS, who had no role in the country’s freedom struggle, do. The RSS did not hoist the national flag at its headquarters till 2002. Now they are trying to preach us nationalism,” he said.
Sunday, August 30, 2026