Tripura Assembly Adjourned Over Fidel Castro Tribute Row
Aug 27, 2026
The Tripura Legislative Assembly plunged into chaos on Thursday, forcing an early adjournment of the monsoon session's first half after the ruling BJP and opposition CPI(M) legislators clashed over a commemorative event for Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro.
The issue was raised during Zero Hour by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath. He strongly questioned Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury's presence at an event organized by the CPI(M) to mark the birth anniversary of the Cuban leader. Moreover, the minister objected to the display of the Cuban flag alongside the Indian national flag at the gathering.
According to Nath, the concept of Indian nationalism was undermined through the speech delivered by the Leader of the Opposition at the program. Consequently, BJP legislators demanded a public apology from Chaudhury.
Leveling severe allegations, Nath stated that the CPI(M) is enjoying the resources of India while singing the praises of foreign nations. He accused the opposition party of backing anti-national forces and claimed they were working as agents for Pakistan and China. He further urged the Assembly Speaker to decide whether nationalists or anti-nationals should remain in the sacred House.
This sparked a fierce war of words between the ruling party and opposition CPI(M) legislators. As the situation rapidly deteriorated, Speaker Rampada Jamatia was forced to halt the proceedings. Meanwhile, legislators from the TIPRA Motha and the Congress party reportedly amused themselves as spectators during the clash between the treasury benches and the CPI(M).
Later, addressing the situation outside the Assembly, Jitendra Chaudhury firmly rejected the allegations. He stated that a political controversy had been manufactured by distorting his remarks. He clarified that the core theme of his speech was India's traditional humanitarian perspective, emphasizing the importance of honoring international figures and communities who have worked for humanity and fought against oppression.
Regarding the Cuban leader, the Leader of the Opposition explained that Fidel Castro can be viewed as a symbol of patriotism, resistance, and the struggle for national independence. To justify his stance, he cited historical examples, including Swami Vivekananda's historic speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Rabindranath Tagore, and Dr. Taraknath Kotnis.
Chaudhury asserted that Indian nationalism must be viewed in connection with the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', which translates to the belief that the world is one family. According to him, Indian nationalism should not be seen through a narrow or exclusionary lens.
He also questioned the objections raised over the display of the Cuban flag, asking why raising another country's flag at a political program was being turned into a major issue. Furthermore, he criticized the ruling party, stating that instead of bringing up an external event during the Assembly's Zero Hour, members should have been discussing the pressing problems of the common people.
