Agartala, 10th July 2026: Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury has raised serious concerns over the state government’s practice of repeatedly re-employing retired bureaucrats, questioning the transparency of the process and demanding an impartial inquiry into the matter.
Addressing a press conference at his Assembly chamber on Friday, Chaudhury alleged that several retired officials continue to hold key positions despite completing their stipulated tenures. He cited the case of former IAS officer Anindya Kumar Bhattacharya, who has reportedly been re-employed seven times and is currently serving as Special Secretary overseeing GAPLT. Chaudhury further claimed that Bhattacharya faces accusations of fraudulent travelling allowance bills and irregularities during his tenure as Director of Fire Services, including the purchase of seven drones with SDRF funds that were never used in fire incidents or mock drills.
The Opposition leader also alleged financial irregularities, pointing to bills worth lakhs generated for vehicle repairs at a Barjala garage. He added that Bhattacharya continues to hold a director-level post despite these controversies.
Chaudhury highlighted another case involving Jeremy Darlong, a TPS Grade-1 officer in the Vigilance Department, who resigned on July 7 citing pressure and humiliating behavior from the concerned official. He stressed that humiliating an officer belonging to a Scheduled Caste is a serious legal offense requiring investigation.
Turning to the Chief Minister’s Office, Chaudhury alleged that Pradip Kumar Chakraborty, Secretary to the CMO, has been re-employed eight times. He claimed Chakraborty was previously implicated in land fraud during his tenure as Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Belonia and alleged that multiple plots of land are registered in his name both within and outside Agartala.
Chaudhury questioned the rationale behind the repeated reappointment of certain retired bureaucrats and demanded a thorough, impartial probe into the allegations. “The government must explain why these officials are being retained time and again despite serious charges against them,” he remarked.
