Agartala, Tripura: The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) has launched a blistering attack on the ruling state government, alleging deep-seated corruption across various departments and demanding immediate accountability. In a high-profile press conference held at the Congress Bhavan in Agartala, senior party leaders, including TPCC President Asish Kumar Saha and MLA Sudip Roy Barman, accused the administration of institutionalizing a “commission-based” system that is draining the state’s exchequer.
Allegations of “Commission Raj” and Departmental Scams
The Congress leadership presented a detailed critique of the government’s performance, specifically highlighting irregularities in the Revenue, Health, and Rural Development departments. The party alleged that no government project—from road construction to water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission—is being executed without a “10 to 15 percent commission” being paid to influential figures.
Key allegations raised during the briefing included:
- Land Allotment Scams: Alleged irregularities in land distribution in districts like Sepahijala, where the party claims officials were transferred for trying to stop illegal allotments.
- Recruitment Irregularities: Serious charges were leveled against the Health Department regarding the recruitment of medical officers, with claims that candidates with minimal marks were appointed over qualified individuals.
- Infrastructure Failures: Congress leaders pointed out the “collapsed” state of the healthcare system and deteriorating road conditions, citing misappropriation of funds meant for maintenance.
Ultimatum for a CBI Inquiry
Addressing the media, Asish Kumar Saha issued a stern ultimatum to the state government. “The public’s money is being siphoned off while the youth remain unemployed and the state’s debt grows. If the Chief Minister does not initiate a CBI probe into these specific departmental scams within the next 15 days, the Congress will mobilize a massive statewide agitation,” Saha stated.
MLA Sudip Roy Barman further criticized the role of the state police and administration, alleging they are being “shackled” by the ruling party to protect criminal elements and corrupt officials. He emphasized that the opposition’s voice is being systematically silenced in the Assembly whenever these issues are raised.
A Call for Public Transparency
The TPCC has called upon the state government to release a “White Paper” on the total expenditure and project status of the last five years to ensure transparency. The party also expressed concern over the rising drug menace in Tripura, linking the “lawlessness” to the lack of administrative will to tackle corruption at the top.
As political tensions simmer in Agartala, the ruling BJP has yet to issue an official rebuttal to these specific charges, though they have historically dismissed such allegations as “politically motivated misinformation.”
