Shocking Allegations: Former Tripura CM Manik Sarkar Exposes BJP’s “Reign of Loot”

Agartala, Tripura – In a fiery protest rally held at Orient Chowmuni in Agartala on Wednesday, former Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar delivered a blistering critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the current Tripura government of orchestrating a widespread “reign of loot” and fostering pervasive corruption across the state’s administrative machinery. His remarks resonated with a large gathering of supporters who converged to voice their discontent over recent economic burdens.

Key Concerns Raised Against the Tripura Government:

• Pervasive Corruption: Sarkar asserted that corruption has infiltrated every stratum of the administration under the current Tripura government. He unequivocally labeled the BJP administration as the “epitome of corruption,” alleging that the state is witnessing an unprecedented period of malfeasance. The former Chief Minister also pointed to the recent alignment of Tipra Matha with the ruling party, suggesting their complicity in the alleged corrupt practices.
• Burden of Price Hikes: A central theme of the rally, and a significant grievance against the Tripura government, was the recent and sharp increase in the prices of essential utilities. These include:
  • Electricity charges
  • Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
  • Piped Natural Gas (PNG)
  • Drinking water
  • Gomati milk Sarkar highlighted the disparity between the BJP’s 2018 and 2023 election promises and the current reality, emphasizing that the party never campaigned on imposing continuous taxes and utility price hikes, which are now heavily burdening the common citizens.
• Unfulfilled Central Support Promises: Despite the BJP’s presence at the Union level, Sarkar claimed that the central Tripura government has failed to provide the necessary financial support to the states to honor their commitments. He specifically recalled promises made by even the Union Finance Minister during election campaigns regarding central financial assistance, dismissing them now as mere “tricks to grab power.”

Echoes of Betrayal from CPI(M) Leadership:

• Betrayal of Public Trust: CPI(M) state secretary and Politburo member Jitendra Chowdhury echoed Sarkar’s concerns, reinforcing the accusation that the BJP-led Tripura government, backed by the RSS, ascended to power through a web of “false promises.” He stated that the public now recognizes that the flashy manifesto presented during the elections has yielded no tangible relief, instead leading to increased prices and tax burdens.
• Suppression of Dissent: Chowdhury further alleged that the current Tripura government has actively stifled dissenting voices since coming to power. He noted the significant increase in essential commodity prices and criticized the government’s insistence on implementing smart meters for consumers despite widespread public objections, indicating a disregard for public sentiment.
• Tipra Matha’s Alleged Role in Misgovernance: Chowdhury also directed criticism towards Tipra Matha, holding them accountable for aligning with the BJP in the 2023 elections. He claimed that this alliance aided the BJP in retaining power and subsequently led to alleged misgovernance within the Autonomous District Council (ADC) areas. According to Chowdhury, Tipra Matha has transformed the ADC into a “hub of corruption,” citing issues like delayed salaries and a severe shortage of teachers in schools and colleges within tribal regions.

The rally, attended by prominent Left leaders including former minister Manik Dey, underscored a growing wave of public frustration and political opposition against the incumbent Tripura government. As the accusations of corruption and economic mismanagement mount, the political landscape in Tripura appears increasingly fraught, with calls for accountability growing louder from the opposition and the public alike. The challenges facing the Tripura government appear multifaceted, ranging from economic pressures to allegations of administrative impropriety.