By Firstdespatch Desk May 31, 2026
Agartala, May 31 (FD) Leader of the Opposition in the Tripura Assembly and CPI(M) State Secretary, Jitendra Chowdhury, on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Manik Saha over his recent remarks against the CPI(M) during the installation ceremony of newly appointed BJP state president Abhishek Debroy.
Responding to questions from journalists regarding the Chief Minister’s comments, Chowdhury alleged that the BJP leadership was becoming increasingly concerned about growing discontent within its own ranks.
“The Chief Minister’s warning to party workers against indiscipline and his call to win all ten Assembly seats currently held by the CPI(M) indicate nervousness within the BJP. Instead of addressing dissent within his party and the shortcomings of his government, he is attempting to divert public attention by targeting the CPI(M) in an undemocratic manner,” Chowdhury said.
The CPI(M) leader accused the Chief Minister of failing to effectively manage key departments that are directly under his charge. He alleged shortcomings in governance, particularly in the Home, Health, Education and Rural Development departments.
Claiming that the government has failed to provide adequate employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Chowdhury said workers were receiving far fewer days of employment than mandated. He also alleged that public services in the health and education sectors had deteriorated and claimed that corruption in government departments and local bodies had reached alarming levels.
“The government is unable to address these issues. Rather than answering public concerns, the Chief Minister is trying to shift the focus away from administrative failures,” he said.
Chowdhury further asserted that the BJP would no longer be able to influence electoral outcomes as it had allegedly done in the past. Referring to elections to Village Committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), he questioned the delay in conducting the polls despite court directives.
“Village Committee elections are supposed to be held every five years, yet no elections have taken place since 2016. If the government is committed to democracy, why is it reluctant to hold these polls?” he asked.
Dismissing the Chief Minister’s remarks about winning CPI(M)-held Assembly constituencies, Chowdhury said the BJP should focus on addressing governance challenges rather than targeting the opposition. FD JK