Agartala, July 13 — The 13th Central Conference of the Tripura Motor Shramik Union was held on Saturday at the Muktadhara Auditorium in Agartala. While the event was primarily aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis in the transport sector and highlighting the growing plight of transport workers, a controversial remark made by CITU State Secretary Shankar Prasad Dutta has sparked widespread backlash.
During the conference, senior CPIM leader and former minister Manik Dey voiced serious concerns about the deteriorating condition of both national and state-level transport industries. He alleged that transport workers are being increasingly exploited, making their livelihoods unsustainable. Dey directly blamed the state government and ruling party-affiliated organizations, accusing their policies of being responsible for the current crisis.
However, the focus of the event shifted after Shankar Prasad Dutta, while addressing the gathering, made a controversial remark referring to Lord Hanuman as “Sonda Marka.” His statement triggered sharp criticism from various sections of society, with many accusing the CPIM and left leaders of deliberately hurting religious sentiments.
The comment has reignited accusations that left-wing leaders, who often identify as atheists, have a long-standing tendency to mock religious beliefs. Critics argue that such remarks not only show disrespect but also alienate people who hold deep faith in religious icons.
The conference was attended by several notable figures, including CITU State President Manik Dey and other senior union leaders. While the core agenda was to explore solutions to protect transport workers’ rights and ensure their welfare, many now feel that the main message of the conference has been overshadowed by the controversy.
Calls for a public apology and clarification from Dutta have begun circulating, as the political storm around his remark continues to grow.
