The opposition Congress party has criticized the recently concluded 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, for failing to address the pressing issues and challenges of the Northeastern states, including Tripura.
At a press conference held at Congress Bhavan in Agartala, party spokesperson Prabir Chakraborty expressed disappointment with the outcomes of the plenary. “When the plenary began in our state, we were hopeful it would play an effective role in resolving the issues of the Northeastern states, including Tripura. However, that expectation was not met,” Chakraborty remarked.
Claims of Inefficiency in NEC’s Performance
Highlighting data from the NEC portal, Chakraborty pointed out discrepancies in project implementation. “In the last six years, the NEC sanctioned ₹85.7 crore for 13 projects. However, only ₹21.38 crore has been spent. These projects were supposed to be completed by March 31, 2025, but three of them have not even started. This reflects the inefficiency of the NEC in Tripura,” he said.
Refuting Development Claims
Chakraborty also refuted Amit Shah’s claims regarding development in Tripura. He alleged that Shah’s statements on the state’s economic growth were misleading. “Amit Shah claimed that Tripura recorded a per capita income of ₹1.77 lakh, which is higher than other major states. This is far from the ground reality,” he said.
On the issue of farmers’ welfare, Chakraborty criticized the central government for its lack of support during crises. “Amit Shah claimed that farmers’ income would increase by 30% in the next 2-3 years. But the reality is that the Centre has failed to assist the farmers of Tripura, who suffered immense losses during the recent floods,” he said.
Drinking Water Supply Concerns
Addressing claims about the state’s drinking water supply, Chakraborty alleged discrepancies in Shah’s statements. “He said that over 87% of households in Tripura have access to drinking water. Yet, people across the state, including urban areas, are protesting for basic water supply. Recently, citizens even stopped the Chief Minister’s convoy to demand drinking water,” he added.
Congress’s Call for Accountability
The Congress party has demanded greater transparency and accountability from the NEC and the central government in addressing the issues faced by the Northeastern states. Chakraborty urged the government to focus on actionable solutions rather than making exaggerated claims.
The NEC plenary, touted as a platform for development and regional collaboration, has now become a point of contention, with the Congress alleging its ineffectiveness and raising concerns over governance and implementation.
