By Firstdespatch Desk Sep 01, 2026
Agartala, Sept 1 (FD) CPI (M) State Secretary and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Jitendra Chaudhury on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led government in Tripura, alleging that democratic rights were being curtailed and that farmers, agricultural workers, youth and other sections of society were facing increasing hardships.
Addressing a public rally organised as part of the three-day state conference of the All India Krishak Sabha (AIKS) at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala, Chaudhury alleged that attempts had been made to prevent people from attending the gathering. He claimed that vehicles were blocked in certain areas and that people were threatened with the withdrawal of government benefits if they participated in the rally.
Despite the alleged restrictions, Chaudhury thanked farmers, jhum cultivators, agricultural labourers, women and others who attended the programme. He said the conference was being held after nearly five-and-a-half years amid what he described as “abnormal circumstances” and a weakening of democratic institutions.
“The Constitution of India is not functioning here and democracy is being robbed in Tripura,” Chaudhury alleged, accusing the BJP of using the state as a “laboratory” for its political agenda.
The CPI(M) leader also raised concerns over the recent death of the Director General of Police, questioning how ordinary citizens could feel secure if the state’s top police officer was allegedly not safe. He demanded greater transparency and accountability in connection with the incident.
On employment, Chaudhury referred to figures cited by Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy and claimed that around 26,000 positions had been filled through outsourcing in addition to 22,000 regular appointments.
“If 48,000 new personnel have been appointed to the administration, why are schools, hospitals, health centres and government offices still lying vacant?” he questioned.
Chaudhury further alleged irregularities in the outsourcing process and accused sections of the ruling establishment of benefiting through commissions. He described the situation in departments such as the PWD, Rural Development and Agriculture as marked by “Mafia Raj” and “Commission Raj.”
He also criticised the condition of roads across the state, particularly the routes connecting Agartala with Dharmanagar via Teliamura, as well as the alternative route through Khowai, Kamalpur and Kailashahar.
Calling for a stronger mass movement, Chaudhury urged farmers, workers, youth and democratic forces to unite in defence of constitutional rights and democratic institutions. FD JK