CPI(M) leader and LoP Jitendra Chaudhury accuses BJP and TIPRA Motha of corruption and political rivalry ahead of TTAADC polls. He calls for restoration of democracy and protection of Dalit and marginalized communities in Tripura.
Leader of the Opposition and senior CPI(M) Politburo member Jitendra Chaudhury launched a strong political attack on the ruling coalition in Tripura on Saturday, accusing both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and TIPRA Motha Party of encouraging corruption and engaging in political rivalry while remaining allies in the government.
Chaudhury made the remarks while addressing the 10th State Conference of the Tripura Tapshili Jati Samannay Samiti held at the Agartala Town Hall. The conference brought together leaders and representatives of Scheduled Caste organisations to discuss issues related to social justice, democratic rights, and development in the state.
During his speech, the CPI(M) leader alleged that the present ruling establishment at the Centre and in the state was increasingly working in favor of large corporate interests, while backward communities, Dalits, and marginalized groups were facing growing hardships. According to him, economic policies and governance priorities were neglecting the needs of vulnerable sections of society.
Chaudhury also raised allegations of corruption within the state government. Without mincing words, he accused certain ministers of accumulating substantial wealth during their tenure. Taking aim at Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, he claimed that the minister had become the owner of assets worth crores of rupees within just two-and-a-half years in office.
“Another minister openly refers to sources of money, yet the government remains silent,” Chaudhury said, adding that such allegations deserved transparency and accountability. He argued that the silence of the administration raised serious questions about governance standards and political integrity in the state.
The opposition leader further stressed that the most urgent responsibility before the people of Tripura was to “restore democracy.” He said organisations representing Scheduled Castes could only achieve their goals if democratic institutions functioned freely and fairly.
Chaudhury also commented on the recent political exchanges between Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma. According to him, the tone and language used by both leaders in their public statements suggested intense political rivalry.
However, he noted that despite the apparent confrontation, both parties continue to remain partners in the ruling coalition in Tripura. This contradiction, he said, reflected strategic political positioning rather than genuine ideological differences.
Chaudhury further alleged that the rivalry between the BJP and TIPRA Motha was largely linked to the upcoming elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). The council, which governs large tribal-dominated areas of the state, remains a crucial political battleground.
According to the CPI(M) leader, the BJP may attempt to use administrative influence and government machinery to secure victory in the council polls. At the same time, he claimed TIPRA Motha would seek to retain its dominance in the TTAADC by mobilising identity-based and emotional political narratives among tribal communities.
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Chaudhury concluded his speech by urging people across communities to unite in defense of democratic values and social justice. He emphasized that protecting constitutional rights and ensuring equitable development for marginalized groups should remain the central focus of political movements in Tripura.
The conference was also attended by several CPI(M) leaders, including Bikram Singh, Ratan Bhowmik and Sudhan Das.
