I-Day celebrated in Tripura amid controversy

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

AGARTALA, Aug 16:  Tripura celebrated Independence Day amid controversy over refusal by the Doordarshan and All India Radio to air Chief Minister Manik Sarkar’s speech even after recording it.

The CPI (M) polite Bureau came down heavily on the Prasar Bharati and in a statement said it is reminiscing to the emergency days.

 ‘’Doordarshan Refuses to Broadcast Tripura CM Manik Sarkar’s Speech. Is this the Cooperative Federalism that PM Modi Talks About? Shame!,” the party twitted on its official Twitter handle.

Tripura state committee also expressed grave anguish against this act of the Prasar Bharati. Gautam Das, a central committee member of the party said it is undemocratic and against the spirit of the constitution.

“Prasar Bharati has become a department of the government,” he commented.

It is learnt that the Doordarshan and AIR decided not to air the speech as it severally criticized the central government. Especially they found some comments citing the role of RSS during the freedom movement objectioble.

The Independence Day was celebrated peacefully throughout the State and the Chief Minister Manik Sarkar hoisted the ceremonial flag at Assam Rifles Ground here.

Delivering his speech on the occasion, he said the objective of the country’s independence will be faded if core problems like poverty, education and employment is not addressed.

He criticized the role of the successive governments in the centre for following a pro-reach policy. He said that 90 per cent of the country’s wealth has been accumulated in the hand of one per cent.

“This attitude must be changed if we are to achieve the aim of our independence,” he said.