Tripura CPI-M Leaders Hanuman Remark Triggers Agartala Uproar and Right-Wing Protests
Agartala | July 16, 2025
A controversial statement made by Sankar Prasad Datta, a senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Tripura, has ignited a political and religious firestorm. Datta allegedly referred to Lord Hanuman as a “Shandamarka” — a colloquial term loosely interpreted as a “dumb-headed muscular man” — during a public address earlier this week.
The remark quickly went viral across social media platforms and has led to massive demonstrations by right-wing organizations in Agartala, including the Bajrang Dal, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), and other affiliated Hindu groups.
“This is not a political issue — it’s a matter of faith. The CPI-M has insulted Hindu beliefs and must issue a public apology,” said Bajrang Dal Tripura President, who led the effigy-burning rally near Orient Chowmuhani.
Several protestors held saffron flags, chanted “Jai Shri Ram”, and displayed posters demanding the arrest of Sankar Prasad Datta. The protests brought parts of Agartala to a standstill on Tuesday, and law enforcement personnel were deployed in sensitive zones to maintain peace.
The CPI-M has yet to release an official statement, though sources close to the leader claim the comment was “taken out of context” and was “not intended to hurt religious sentiments.”
However, BJP Tripura spokespersons accused the Left party of a “consistent pattern of ridiculing Hindu icons” and vowed to escalate the matter if no formal apology is issued.
Police and Public Response
Tripura Police confirmed that a formal complaint has been lodged against Datta under Sections 295A and 153A of the IPC, pertaining to deliberate acts to outrage religious feelings and promote enmity.
“We are reviewing the speech footage and will proceed in accordance with legal provisions,”
said SP (West Tripura) during a press briefing late Tuesday evening.
Public opinion remains polarized. While many citizens voiced anger over the alleged insult, a segment of CPI-M supporters defended the leader’s freedom to criticize religious symbolism in the context of socio-political discourse.
Political Ripples
The controversy has injected fresh friction into the state’s fragile political climate, just as the BJP and Tipra Motha negotiate alliances for the upcoming Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections.
Political analysts believe this controversy could be used by the BJP to galvanize Hindu voters, especially in urban pockets like Agartala, where religious sentiments often intersect with political identities.
As of now, tension remains high in parts of the capital, though no violence or clashes have been reported.
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