The Agartala Press Club condemned Tripura Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman’s remarks equating journalists with enemies, demanding an immediate withdrawal. While facing backlash, Barman emphasized timely resource utilization in Panchayat bodies during a review in Khowai.
The Agartala Press Club (APC) has strongly condemned recent remarks made by Tripura’s Higher Education and Panchayat Minister, Kishor Barman, against journalists. Addressing an event earlier this week, Barman reportedly equated members of the press with adversaries of public representatives—a statement that has sparked sharp criticism across the media fraternity in the state.
In an official statement issued on Tuesday, the APC described the minister’s comments as “undesirable, objectionable, and condemnable.” The press body emphasized that journalists in Tripura have consistently carried out their professional responsibilities with neutrality, dedication, and integrity, often under challenging circumstances. The statement, signed by APC Secretary Ramakanta Dey, reiterated that the media’s role is to act as a bridge between policymakers and the public, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.
“The media of Tripura have performed their duties without succumbing to any form of pressure. It is therefore extremely unfortunate that a senior cabinet member has made such unwarranted remarks. We demand that the Higher Education Minister withdraw his statement without delay,” the APC’s release read.
The condemnation has amplified concerns about the strained relationship between political representatives and media institutions in the state. Analysts note that while disagreements between journalists and politicians are not uncommon, equating the press with enemies risks undermining democratic values and freedom of expression.
Kishor Barman Defends Focus on Panchayat Resource Management
Even as controversy brewed over his remarks against journalists, Minister Kishor Barman maintained his focus on another priority area—ensuring effective and timely use of resources at the Panchayat level.
On Tuesday, Barman conducted a district-level review meeting in Khowai, where he stressed the need for proper planning and execution in local governance. He urged all Panchayat Samitis, Gram Panchayats, and Zilla Parishads to work collaboratively to utilize funds allocated under various schemes, particularly those sanctioned by the 15th Finance Commission.
“All stakeholders must work in synergy to ensure timely and effective use of resources. We must identify the gaps and address them so that development reaches the grassroots in an impactful way,” the minister said. He added that several districts in Tripura had shown commendable progress in implementing development programs and expressed his aspiration for Khowai to emerge as one of the state’s front-runner districts.
A Dual Narrative: Condemnation and Governance
The contrasting developments surrounding Kishor Barman highlight the complex balancing act faced by ministers in public life. On one hand, his remarks about journalists have attracted widespread condemnation, with calls for an immediate retraction to repair the fractured trust between the government and the media. On the other hand, his emphasis on streamlining Panchayat-level development initiatives underlines his role in strengthening governance and ensuring equitable growth across districts.
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Political observers believe that how the minister navigates this controversy may influence both his public image and his ability to work effectively with the press. In a democracy where transparency and communication are central to good governance, rebuilding trust with journalists will be as important as implementing efficient resource management strategies.
For now, the Agartala Press Club has made its stand clear: freedom of the press and respect for its role in society are non-negotiable. Whether the Higher Education Minister issues a retraction in the coming days will be closely watched not only by the media but also by the wider public.
