In a scathing critique of the BJP-led government in Tripura, Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President Asish Kumar Saha raised 17 points against what he termed ‘misrule’ and ‘all-round failures.’
Speaking at a press conference held at Congress Bhawan, Saha announced the initiation of a month-long agitation program starting December 15, targeting the ruling government’s alleged shortcomings.
Saha asserted that the people of Tripura were disillusioned with the BJP-led government, citing a total failure in nearly six years of governance. He highlighted concerns about the erosion of dignity and respect for the common people, emphasizing the deterioration of rights ranging from women’s freedom to employment, education, and health services.
The TPCC president, in a comprehensive critique, claimed that the administration, law and order, and police surveillance were virtually absent, leading to a loss of the citizens’ sense of entitlement. Saha further alleged that political etiquette and culture had been discarded since the BJP came to power, with opposition leaders and activists facing regular attacks.
He accused the ruling party of consolidating power by handing over clubs, institutions, and various committees to their supporters. Saha criticized the “Bike-Bahini” and claimed that the police administration had become puppets of the ruling party. The Congress leader also debunked the BJP’s “Nesha-Mukt Tripura” slogan, asserting it was instead a “Nesha-Jukta Tripura,” accusing ministers and leaders of secretly supporting the spread of the drug trade.
Saha demanded the release of recent data on human trafficking, alleging connections between ruling party leaders and such activities. He criticized the government for its failure to address the issue of unemployment, citing false promises regarding employment opportunities. The Congress leader expressed concern about the state of the education system, pointing out insufficient teachers, a lack of infrastructure, and protests by students.
Addressing the education sector, Saha pointed out protests by students due to insufficient teachers, a lack of infrastructure, and basic facilities in government schools. He highlighted a concerning dropout rate and a decrease in the teacher-student ratio, affecting the future of students.
In the health sector, Saha criticized the inadequate infrastructure in district and sub-divisional hospitals, forcing people to seek medical services in the capital city. The economic situation, lack of basic facilities, and deprivation of electricity and water were also raised as significant concerns.
Turning attention to the indigenous population, Saha alleged that tribal areas faced challenges in education, health, drinking water, employment, and electricity services. He claimed that the state government’s actions amounted to an undeclared financial blockade, bringing development work in tribal areas to a near standstill.
The Congress leader also highlighted issues such as the rising prices of essential commodities, the plight of 10,323 teachers, and crimes against women. Additionally, the leadership of the Pradesh Congress strongly opposed the Janjati Suraksha Manch program scheduled for December 25.
As the Congress launches a month-long agitation, Tripura witnesses heightened political tension, with the opposition intensifying its criticism against the ruling BJP government.
