Agartala, 4th November 2026 : A controversy over the selection of a BJP candidate for the upcoming municipal elections has triggered serious internal discord within the party’s Badharghat Mandal. Allegations of financial dealings in the distribution of councillor tickets have surfaced against Mandal President Manish Deb, prompting the BJP state leadership to issue him a show-cause notice and suspend the candidate list for Ward No. 45 under the Badharghat Assembly constituency.
According to party sources, MLA Minarani Sarkar had recommended Apu Adde as the candidate for Ward 45 following consultations with local party workers. His name was reportedly forwarded to the BJP state leadership and initially placed at the top of the list. However, just hours before the official announcement on Tuesday, party workers allegedly discovered that Apu Adde’s name had been replaced by Kajol Rani Debnath.
The sudden change triggered resentment among local party workers, who reportedly gathered at the residence of MLA Minarani Sarkar to protest the decision. It has been alleged that Mandal President Manish Deb facilitated Kajol Rani Debnath’s candidature in exchange for Rs 5 lakh. The allegations have not been independently verified.
Sources claimed that the MLA subsequently raised concerns over the proposed candidature, citing opposition among local party workers. The controversy eventually reached the BJP state leadership, which decided to put the Ward 45 candidate list on hold.
Meanwhile, Manish Deb is also facing allegations relating to the alleged illegal occupation and sale of land belonging to an ashram. The ashram authorities reportedly filed a lawsuit in connection with the matter, registered as Case No. JR 1 TS 47/2025. He has also allegedly made derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Manik Saha, according to party sources. Following these developments, the state leadership reportedly served him a formal show-cause notice.
Local party leaders believe that further organisational action against Manish Deb may follow after the municipal elections, although no official confirmation regarding his removal has been made.
Meanwhile, supporters of Apu Adde maintain that he has remained accessible to residents of Ward 45, irrespective of religious affiliations, and has contributed to various developmental activities in the locality. They point out that he was elected as a municipal councillor five years ago and has maintained contact with residents throughout his tenure.
Party leaders have reportedly taken up the issue with a state minister as well. However, the dispute over the Ward 45 candidate selection has exposed growing differences within the Badharghat Mandal, placing the local BJP organisation under considerable internal pressure ahead of the municipal polls.
