BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 30th July 2025: In a sharp critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Tripura, former Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar today alleged that corruption has become institutionalised under the current regime, accusing it of running a “reign of loot” across the state.
Addressing a protest rally at Orient Chowmuhani in central Agartala, Sarkar also targeted the Tipra Motha, accusing the tribal party of aligning with the BJP to defeat the Left in the 2023 Assembly elections.
The rally, organised by the CPI(M), demanded immediate rollback of recent hikes in electricity, CNG, PNG, drinking water, and Gomati milk prices. CPI(M) State Secretary and Politburo member Jitendra Chaudhury, senior leader Manik Dey, and other party figures also addressed the gathering.
“The BJP came to power in 2018 and again in 2023 on the basis of lofty promises. But nowhere did they disclose plans for repeated hikes in taxes and charges for essential services. Today, rising costs of electricity, water, and fuel are pushing the people into hardship,” Sarkar said.
He also slammed the state government’s decision to install smart meters despite widespread public opposition. “Instead of listening to the people, the government is bulldozing decisions through brute force,” he alleged.
Criticising the Tipra Motha’s post-election conduct, Sarkar said the party enabled the BJP’s return by dividing the anti-BJP vote. “After winning, they turned the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) into another hub of corruption. People in ADC areas are reeling from lack of services and basic governance,” he added.
He also raised concerns over the role of the central government, pointing out that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had promised financial support during the elections. “Till now, nothing has materialised. The people were misled purely for electoral gain,” he said.
Echoing Sarkar’s criticism, Jitendra Chaudhury said the BJP, guided by the RSS, had betrayed the electorate. “The BJP’s manifesto was a bundle of lies. Since coming to power, they’ve imposed one tax after another while failing to fulfil key promises,” he said.
Chaudhury further accused the government of eroding democratic norms and fostering a climate of fear. “Freedom of speech has been curtailed, prices of essentials have surged, and government employees are facing delays in salary payments. Education in ADC areas is suffering due to an acute shortage of teachers,” he said.
