Tipra Motha faces allegations of voter bribery using ADC funds as CPM leader Jitendra Chaudhary files complaint with State Election Commission, citing Model Code of Conduct violations ahead of crucial TTAADC elections in Tripura.
Opposition Leader and CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhary has formally accused Tipra Motha of bribing voters by allegedly misusing funds from the ADC exchequer. The complaint was submitted to the State Election Commission on Tuesday, raising serious concerns over violations of electoral norms.
In his written complaint, Chaudhary alleged that Tipra Motha, which currently holds administrative control over the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, has been exploiting its official position to influence voters. He further claimed that the party is acting in alignment with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, thereby undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
The controversy centers around a financial sanction issued on March 17, the same day the State Election Commission announced the TTAADC election schedule. According to Chaudhary, the office of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ADC administration approved more than ₹30 lakh as medical grants. The funds were reportedly distributed equally among 292 beneficiaries belonging to newly resettled Reang refugee communities in Kanchanpur, Damcherra, and Panisagar relief camps.
Chaudhary acknowledged that medical assistance is typically provided on humanitarian grounds and may be exempt from the Model Code of Conduct. However, he questioned the timing and uniformity of the disbursement. “The release of identical amounts of ₹10,275 to each of the 292 beneficiaries, particularly after the election schedule was declared, and limited to only three out of eleven resettled villages, raises serious doubts,” he stated in the letter.
He further described the move as a “deliberate attempt to influence voters” using public funds, labeling it as a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The Opposition Leader argued that such selective and timed financial assistance could not be justified as routine welfare, especially during an active election period.
The CPI(M) leader has urged the State Election Commission to take immediate action by halting any further transfer of funds to the beneficiaries until the elections are concluded, if the process is still ongoing. Additionally, he called for strict directives to be issued to both the state government and ADC authorities to ensure full compliance with the provisions related to the “party in power” under the Model Code of Conduct.
The allegations have intensified political tensions in Tripura, where the TTAADC elections are considered crucial for regional political dynamics. While Tipra Motha has not yet issued an official response to the accusations, the matter is expected to draw scrutiny from electoral authorities in the coming days.
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The State Election Commission is likely to examine the complaint and determine whether the disbursement constitutes a breach of electoral guidelines. If proven, the case could have significant implications for the conduct of free and fair elections in the region.
