The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tripura has served a seven-day show-cause notice on Barnali Goswami, former Chairperson of the Tripura State Commission for Women, over her alleged role in a series of incidents in Dharmanagar, North Tripura district. The notice, dated 25 September 2026, was issued on behalf of the party's Disciplinary Committee by Samrendra Chandra Deb, a party leader confirmed on Saturday.

What the Notice Says

The notice states that an 'unpleasant' incident involving BJP workers and supporters recently took place in the Dharmanagar Mandal area, following which Goswami's name surfaced in reports circulated across social media and electronic media. Reports submitted by the BJP's district President and district in-charge on the adverse developments had also come to the attention of state BJP President Abhishek Debroy.

The party stated that the developments had 'created an adverse reaction towards the BJP both within the organisation and among the public.' Goswami has been asked to submit a written explanation within seven days of receiving the notice, stating her role and position in the matter and providing reasons why disciplinary action should not be initiated against her. Failure to comply, the notice warned, would invite action under party rules.

Notably, Goswami is the wife of BJP's sitting Dharmanagar MLA Jahar Chakraborti, making the notice politically sensitive within the party's local hierarchy.

The Dharmanagar College Incident

The immediate trigger appears to be a protest by members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) at Dharmanagar Government Degree College on 22 September. When Goswami arrived at the college, ABVP members raised 'Go Back' slogans, citing concerns over teacher shortages, drinking-water facilities, and disruption of academic activities.

The college protest was followed by reports of clashes between rival groups of BJP workers in Dharmanagar — a development that drew wider attention to the growing fissures within the party's local unit.

Assault Allegations and Escalating Tensions

Separate allegations subsequently emerged regarding an alleged assault on the father of an ABVP student leader following the college incident. On 24 September, ABVP activists staged a protest outside the Dharmanagar District Magistrate's office, demanding action against those allegedly responsible. Protesters also burnt an effigy of Goswami. Complaints and counter-complaints have reportedly been lodged in connection with the incidents.

This is an escalating sequence of intra-party strains — from a college protest to alleged worker clashes to formal disciplinary proceedings — compressed within days, and playing out publicly in a BJP-governed state.

What the Government and Party Leadership Said

Chief Minister Manik Saha, responding to media queries about the Dharmanagar incidents earlier this week, confirmed that the BJP's Disciplinary Committee was examining the matter. 'Any kind of indiscipline or unpleasant activity will not be tolerated or approved by the party,' Saha said. The show-cause notice itself does not establish Goswami's involvement in any assault or clash — it seeks her explanation and refers to media reports in which her name appeared.

What Happens Next

Goswami's response to the notice and any subsequent decision by the BJP's state leadership are now awaited. The outcome could have implications for both the sitting Dharmanagar MLA and the party's broader management of internal dissent ahead of local political cycles in Tripura.