The CPI(M) has alleged irregularities, delays, and lack of transparency in the Agartala Smart City Mission. Former minister Manik Dey and senior leaders criticized the government’s handling of urban projects, citing poor-quality work, failure to rehabilitate hawkers, and misuse of public funds, demanding accountability and transparency in development.
The opposition Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has raised serious concerns about the ongoing project works under the Agartala Smart City Mission, alleging irregularities, delays, and lack of transparency. The remarks came during a press conference on Thursday where senior CPI(M) leaders accused the state government of failing to deliver on its promises of modern urban development.
Former Urban Development Minister Manik Dey, who addressed the media, said that the Smart City initiative, once projected as a game-changer for Agartala’s urban infrastructure, is suffering from both inefficiency and questionable execution. According to him, despite huge public funds being allocated, visible results remain minimal and unsatisfactory.
Questionable Quality and Lack of Progress
Dey alleged that almost every project undertaken under the Smart City Mission has been marred by either poor-quality work or incomplete execution. “Not a single work included in the Smart City project—be it drinking water facilities, road infrastructure, or proper pedestrian footpaths—has been carried out in a systematic manner,” he claimed.
Highlighting the plight of local citizens, Dey said that despite assurances of rapid urban development, the pace of work remains far from the promised standards. He noted that citizens continue to struggle with issues such as drinking water shortages, poorly maintained roads, inadequate drainage, and lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Concerns Over Hawkers’ Rehabilitation
Another major issue raised by the CPI(M) was the government’s alleged failure to rehabilitate hawkers in the city. Dey compared the current administration with the Left Front government, which he claimed had taken significant steps to rehabilitate large numbers of hawkers in Agartala during its tenure.
“The present government has failed to take any meaningful steps to provide rehabilitation for hawkers who are an integral part of the city’s economy. Instead of offering them space and facilities, they are being neglected,” he said.
Demand for Transparency
The CPI(M) leadership strongly criticized what they described as a lack of accountability in handling the Smart City Mission. Dey demanded that the government provide a detailed report on the expenditure, project timelines, and the status of various schemes under the mission.
“The people of Agartala have the right to know how public money is being utilized. Transparency and accountability must be ensured in every step of such a massive development project,” he added.
Presence of Senior CPI(M) Leaders
The press conference was attended by several prominent CPI(M) leaders, including former MP Shankar Prasad Dutta, state committee member Amal Chakraborty, and party leader Samay Chakraborty. They supported Dey’s statements and reiterated the demand for a public audit of the Smart City works.
The leaders expressed concern that without proper monitoring and supervision, the Smart City Mission could end up as another example of wasted resources and unfulfilled promises. They emphasized that urban development projects must prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens rather than turning into a showcase for contractors and vested interests.
Political Ramifications
The CPI(M)’s allegations come at a time when urban infrastructure remains a pressing issue in Agartala. With increasing population pressure, rising traffic congestion, and frequent flooding in certain areas, citizens have been looking forward to improvements promised under the Smart City initiative.
By questioning the quality and pace of the work, the opposition hopes to put the ruling government on the defensive and draw attention to governance lapses. Political observers believe that the issue could become a significant talking point in upcoming political campaigns, especially since urban voters are directly impacted by the performance of such projects.
Citizens’ Expectations
Residents of Agartala have often expressed both hope and frustration regarding the Smart City Mission. While many welcome the idea of modern infrastructure, digital governance, and better civic facilities, the ground reality has often not matched the promises. Delays in project completion, recurring construction-related inconveniences, and incomplete facilities have fueled discontent among the public.
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The CPI(M)’s move to highlight these issues is expected to resonate with citizens who have been waiting for visible results. Whether the government responds with clarity and corrective measures, or dismisses the allegations as political, remains to be seen.
