BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 25th November 2025: An unusual political alignment surfaced once more in Kailashahar today, highlighting the town’s distinct political dynamics amid the state’s broader tensions. A BJP panchayat member was elected as Pradhan with the support of CPI(M), sparking intense debate across the political spectrum and exposing fresh rifts within the local BJP unit.
The elections for Pradhan and Upa-Pradhan were held at Srinathpur and Dhaliarkandi village panchayats under Gournagar block. To prevent unrest, police from Irani station, led by Inspector Srikanta Chakraborty, deployed additional forces, including TSR and central paramilitary personnel, around both panchayat offices since morning.
At Srinathpur, which has 13 seats, the composition includes six BJP, four Congress, and three CPI(M) members. Panchayat officer Rajib Debbarma confirmed that all four Congress members were absent during the vote. Two CPI(M) members and six BJP members were present, giving a total of eight votes in favor of BJP candidate Tuakul Ali, who was elected Pradhan unopposed.
In Dhaliarkandi, with 11 seats, seven BJP and four Congress members participated. With full attendance, BJP’s Reba Rani Nam: Biswas was elected Pradhan and Tufail Ahmed Upa-Pradhan, both without contest.
However, soon after the results, BJP members Fatema Begum and Samirun Nessa staged a protest, declaring the elections “illegal” and vowing to bring a no-confidence motion against the newly elected leadership.
Congress leaders expressed sharp discontent, particularly over CPI(M)’s support for a BJP candidate in Srinathpur. Unakoti District Congress president Md. Badruzzaman criticized CPI(M), stating:
“CPI(M) leaders often claim Congress is BJP’s shadow. Then how did they join hands with BJP to elect a Pradhan today?”
He further alleged that factionalism within Kailashahar BJP had previously led to instability in Dhaliarkandi, adding that the new panchayat formation offered “no reason for celebration.” The evolving political equation, he said, will determine how effectively the panchayats function in the coming months.
