Agartala, 22nd June 2026: A controversy has emerged in Tripura over the management of funds related to the Kharchi Mela, after a video from a preparatory meeting went viral online and drew public attention to internal disagreements among local representatives.
The footage shows a sharp exchange between BJP MLA Ratan Chakraborty and West Tripura Zilla Parishad Acting Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil during discussions on festival planning and financial reporting.
At the heart of the dispute are concerns raised about how funds for the annual Kharchi Mela have been managed, particularly regarding the submission of previous year’s expenditure records and the transparency of revenue collected from stalls and vendor arrangements. One side questioned whether proper documentation had been submitted and whether all stakeholders were adequately included in planning meetings.
The exchange has highlighted broader governance issues, with calls emerging for clearer accounting practices and more transparent handling of public funds connected to major cultural events in the state. As the video circulated widely, it intensified public scrutiny of administrative processes linked to the festival.
Responding to the allegations, MLA Ratan Chakraborty rejected any suggestion of irregularities, stating that the event is organized according to established procedures and that preparations are proceeding as usual. He maintained that there has been no deviation from standard practices.
While the meeting reportedly continued without disruption, the incident has brought attention to differing views within the administration over financial oversight and coordination. As preparations continue, the episode has added momentum to demands for greater accountability in future editions of the Kharchi Mela.
