North-West divide in Congress : Unakoti Cong Leader Badruzzaman Slams State Leadership, Denies BJP Switch

Agartala, Mar 13, 2025, By Our Correspondent29

Perennially beleaguered by internecine infights the Congress in Tripura, which is definitely not  in a very good condition could not leave aside their mudslinging between rival groups as yet , rather the good ol’ party  is now facing a serious North-West divide.

Unakoti District Congress president and Gouranagar Panchayat Samiti Vice Chairman, Md. Badruzzaman, has launched a scathing attack on the Tripura Pradesh Congress leadership, accusing them of trying to tarnish his reputation with false claims about him joining the BJP.

Speaking at a press conference at Congress Bhavan in Kailashahar, Badruzzaman refuted the rumors and asserted his unwavering commitment to the party. A Congress member since 1972, he recalled being imprisoned in 1977 under the leadership of then-MLA Birajit Sinha following Indira Gandhi’s Emergency. He contrasted his loyalty with that of several current state Congress leaders, whom he accused of switching parties for personal gain.

Badruzzaman also outlined the Congress party’s consistent efforts for the development of Kailashahar, including longstanding demands to reopen the abandoned airport, introduce railway services, and strengthen flood control measures by reinforcing embankments along the Manu River. He noted that Congress workers had protested in Maligaon, Guwahati and had also written to the Railway Minister regarding the railway issue.

During Chief Minister Manik Saha’s recent visit to Kailashahar, Badruzzaman submitted a memorandum reiterating these demands. However, soon after, sections of the media published misleading reports suggesting he was leaving the Congress party—a claim he vehemently denied. He accused the current Pradesh Congress leadership of orchestrating this misinformation campaign due to internal conflicts.

Further criticizing the state leadership, Badruzzaman pointed out their lack of involvement in the 2024 Panchayat elections. He credited Birajit Sinha’s leadership for Congress’ victory in 15 Gram Panchayats and the Gouranagar Panchayat Samiti, the only Congress-led Panchayat Samiti in Tripura. Instead of supporting grassroots efforts, he alleged that state leaders were attempting to weaken them.

Tripura Pradesh Congress General Secretary Rudrendu Bhattacharya and Congress leader Hillol Gupta were present at the press conference, lending support to Badruzzaman’s statements.