By TC News Desk
Agartala, 14th September 2024: Tripura’s political scenario witnessed a fiery escalation as Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma challenged Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman over allegations of corruption. At a press conference held on Saturday, Debbarma demanded that Barman either prove his claims within 48 hours or issue a public apology. If not, Debbarma threatened to pursue legal action for defamation.
“Sudip Roy Barman has leveled serious accusations against me, both in the Assembly and at the Pradesh Congress Bhavan. He claims I purchased a building at Adviser Choumuhani for Rs 7 crores. I challenge him to prove these allegations, and if he does, I will retire from politics,” Debbarma stated emphatically during the press briefing.
This dispute comes after Barman accused the minister of acquiring property illegally, claiming that the building in question belonged to Dr. Ila Lodh. Debbarma, however, denied the accusations, revealing that the property had been registered by a businessman named Parth Sarkar on January 29. “My name is not connected with this land in any way,” Debbarma clarified.
Barman further alleged that Debbarma had purchased a petrol pump in Teliamura in his wife’s name after acquiring his ministerial position. In response, Debbarma firmly rejected this claim. “Neither my wife, my son, nor any other family member owns a petrol pump anywhere in Teliamura or even in the entire Khowai district,” the minister declared, adding that if Barman could substantiate these claims, he would again retire from political life.
The tension deepened as the minister accused Sudip Roy Barman of disrespecting Tripura’s indigenous community by making derogatory remarks about the Kokborok language. “By insulting my mother tongue, you have disrespected the people of Tripura’s Janjati section,” Debbarma stated, claiming that the tribal community would not take such insults lightly.
Delving further into his personal history, Debbarma detailed his family’s long-standing ties to Tripura. “Before entering politics, I worked as a government contractor for 30-35 years. My father was employed in the post office, my mother in the Department of Social Education and Social Welfare, and my younger brother is a teacher,” he explained. He emphasized that his family owned 200 kanis of land and that he had the means to buy property legally. “Why should I be questioned for buying a flat in Delhi or land in Lembuchara?” he asked, turning the tables on his political opponent.
In a pointed remark, Debbarma challenged Sudip Roy Barman to disclose the sources of his own wealth. “Your house in Colonel Chowmuni is worth billions. Where did you get the money? People deserve to know where your vast fortunes come from,” he said, accusing Barman of conducting business in his wife’s name and accumulating wealth through anonymous means.
Debbarma closed his press conference with a stern ultimatum. “Sudip Roy Barman has 48 hours to provide evidence supporting his allegations. If he fails, he must apologize to the people of the state. Otherwise, a defamation case will be filed,” he warned.
When asked why he had waited eight days before addressing the accusations, Debbarma explained, “I needed time to gather all the necessary evidence to counter these baseless claims.”
The political standoff has captured the attention of Tripura, as both sides prepare for what could be a heated legal battle if the allegations are not resolved.
