Agartala, Sep 13: The opposition CPI(M) has accused the ruling BJP party of indulging in “dirty politics” over the state’s traditional hand-woven attire, Risa (headgear).
According to CPI(M), Risa has been used with dignity in both government and party programmes since the Left regime, long before the BJP came to power. They claimed that it was the Left Front that introduced and popularized Risa to national and international platforms without ever reducing it to a tool of political propaganda.
“Risa is a symbol of Tripura’s heritage and pride. The Left never used it as a political weapon. But the BJP, having failed miserably in governance, is now exploiting Risa for cheap political gimmicks while hiding behind a make-believe tribal front,” CPI(M) alleged.
They further argued that history itself bears testimony to the cultural and artistic value of Risa, which cannot be diminished by “falsehood and theatrics.” Visual records and photographs from 2010 onwards were cited to showcase its longstanding recognition as a marker of Tripura’s cultural identity.
“Respect for heritage requires intellectual depth and cultural appreciation. That was present in the past. Today, what we see is only gimmickry by those in power, without true respect for tradition,” the party added.
