ON November 23, the urban residents of Agartala witnessed an impressive and spirited march by the dalit and agricultural workers of the state, symbolising their unwavering commitment to fight for their rightful entitlements. The resolute participants in this march braved the watchful eyes of the ruling authorities, the potential denial of government benefits, threats of severe repercussions, and, in some instances, physical resistance to actively participate in the event.

In response to the joint call issued by four constituent organisations under the Scheduled Caste Coordination Committee (SCCC) and Tripura Khet Majur Union (TKMU), an affiliate of AIAWU, substantial numbers of dalit and agricultural workers from all the sub-divisions of the state initially gathered in front of Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan. From there, they commenced their march towards Rajbhavan, carrying banners and placards about their demands. The procession came to a halt in front of the Gandhi Statue at Kunjaban, near the old Rajbhavan, where the marchers took a seat on the road, symbolising their determination and commitment to their cause.

The key demands outlined in the charter encompass: revival of the SC ST Sub-Plan with a proportional budgetary allocation of funds, increase in stipends for SC ST students and elevation of the income ceiling for SC ST families to Rs 8 lakh for stipend eligibility, identification and prosecution of individuals involved in the issuance of fake SC ST certificates, repeal of the National Education Policy and implementation of SC ST reservations in both government and private educational institutions, extension of SC ST reservations in recruitment processes for government offices and private companies, provision of loans to SC ST individuals based on liberal norms, ensuring a minimum of 200 man-days per year in MGNREGA at a rate of Rs 600/- per day, strict enforcement of the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 and the Rule 1995, allocation of permanent housing for SC ST families currently residing in makeshift accommodations, initiation of a caste-based census in the country, prevention of efforts to strip the constitutional right of reservation for SC/ST individuals by introducing a Uniform Civil Code, introduction of incentives for small entrepreneurs proportional to SC and ST reservation, prioritising incentives for individuals in specific occupations such as fishermen, laundry workers, tanners, etc.

Commending the participants for their resilience in attending this event against all odds, CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury said, "Here, you are voicing the anguish and aspirations of all sections of the people, the majority of whom yearn to be liberated from this oppressive rule. The BJP secured power in the state by fostering division among the people through hate campaigns, making false promises, and utilizing substantial amounts of illicit funds. The government has unlawfully deprived all sections of the people of their democratic and legitimate rights. Allocated funds for development are being siphoned off into advertisements featuring the faces of ministers. As the secular democratic populace unites at the national level to overthrow this semi-fascist BJP rule, we in Tripura must also contribute to this noble cause," said Jitendra Chaudhury.

In cautioning the public about the BJP's crafty endeavour to sow division, Jitendra Chaudhury remarked, "The BJP has sprouted a new organization called 'Janajati Suraksha Manch,' which does not advocate for the release of funds to the TTAADC that are overdue. Nor does it voice any concerns about the delayed conduct of Village Committee elections since 2021. Disregarding these pressing matters, they are now pushing for the deprivation of constitutional reservation benefits for tribals who have converted to Christianity." 

Among those who addressed the marchers were Ratan Bhowmik and Sudhan Das, president and secretary of TCCC respectively, as well as Bhanulal Saha and Shymal Dey, president and secretary of Tripura Khet Majur Union respectively. The speakers urged the masses to escalate the struggle in the coming days until the demands are met.

Following the rally, a seven-member delegation led by TCCC secretary Sudhan Das proceeded to Rajbhavan and submitted a memorandum to the governor's secretary in his absence.