By Tripura24.in Bureau
AGARTALA | June 13, 2026: In a major political offensive, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and CPI(M) State Secretary, Jitendra Choudhury, hosted a comprehensive press conference addressing a series of critical state and national issues. From administrative corruption and institutional high-handedness to deteriorating law and order and the central government’s foreign policy silence, the veteran leader spared no one, accusing the ruling BJP-led government of complete governance failure.
Below are the key responses and stances detailed by the Opposition Leader on the major issues gripping the state:
On Pradyot Kishore’s Praise for Modi-Shah Duo
Reacting sharply to Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma’s recent remarks claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are doing exemplary work for Tripura’s tribal population, Choudhury called out the political duplicity.
”This is a classic case of double standards that stands completely exposed before the people of Tripura. On one hand, they claim to fight for the constitutional rights and survival of the indigenous communities, and on the other, they align with a central leadership that has systematically diluted tribal autonomous structures and socio-economic safety nets. This opportunistic praise reveals that political survival, rather than genuine tribal welfare, is their primary agenda.”
On Extension of Corrupt Bureaucrats and Controversial IAS Promotions
Addressing explosive investigative reports in local dailies regarding the continuous re-employment of controversial, retired bureaucrats and the recent IAS promotion of a senior official facing multi-crore corruption cases, the LoP expressed deep concern over the collapse of administrative integrity.
”The current administration has turned into a safe haven for corrupt officials. Retaining retired bureaucrats who face severe vigilance and financial irregularities charges, while ignoring honest, deserving young officers, shows a deep-rooted institutional malice. Even worse, an officer under active cloud for amassing multi-crore illegal assets across state lines has been rewarded with an IAS elevation. We demand an immediate high-level independent probe into these shady appointments and an absolute white paper on assets held by these re-engaged bureaucrats.”
On Delayed Salaries of Government Staff and Anganwadi Agitations
Choudhury heavily criticized the Finance and Social Welfare departments over the unprecedented financial crisis where nearly 3,000 regular government employees and over ten thousand grassroots Anganwadi workers are facing severe salary disbursal delays.
”It is an absolute shame that the people who run our frontline nutrition, healthcare, and administrative machinery are forced to take to the streets just to get their hard-earned monthly wages. The government claims the state is economically flourishing, yet it cannot pay its workforce on time. Dismissing Anganwadi workers as mere ‘volunteers’ to deny them fair wages is deeply exploitative. The CPI(M) fully backs the ongoing agitations and demands immediate clearance of all pending honorariums and wages.”
On Supreme Court’s TET Mandate for Non-TET Teachers
Commenting on the recent Supreme Court verdict making the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) mandatory even for long-serving, in-service primary teachers, Choudhury called for a compassionate legal review.
”While we respect the apex court, applying modern guidelines retroactively to teachers who were recruited decades ago under the valid state rules of that time is a severe blow to natural justice. Over 15,000 livelihoods in Tripura alone are at stake. The state government cannot remain a mute spectator. The Chief Minister must immediately coordinate with the central Ministry of Education to file a review petition or bring an ordinance to safeguard the employment of these veteran educators.”
On PM Modi’s Silence Over Indian Sailors Killed in US Navy Strike
Shifting focus to a major geopolitical incident, the Opposition Leader expressed profound anger over the tragic death of three Indian seafarers in a US military strike near the Strait of Hormuz, and the subsequent silence of the Prime Minister’s Office.
”Three innocent Indian citizens lost their lives on a merchant vessel due to an aggressive US military blockade operation off the coast of Oman. While the Ministry of External Affairs had to summon the US diplomat under immense pressure, our Prime Minister—who claims India is a global leader (Vishwa Guru)—has not uttered a single word of condemnation against Washington. Why this absolute silence when Indian lives are lost to American high-handedness? The PM must break his silence and assure the nation of a firm diplomatic response.”
On the Suspicious Death at Tripura Santiniketan Medical College
Responding to the mysterious recovery of 22-year-old female warden Manisha Das’s body inside the Santiniketan Medical College hostel, which many are drawing parallels to Kolkata’s horrific R.G. Kar hospital incident, Choudhury demanded a transparent investigation.
”The circumstances inside the Santiniketan Medical College are highly alarming. The institutional security failed completely, and the family’s explicit claim that this is a pre-planned, calculated murder cannot be brushed aside as a simple suicide. We will not allow the administration to cover up this case to protect influential private college owners. The police must fast-track the investigation, preserve all forensic data, and ensure it does not turn into another institutional cover-up.”
On the 72-Hour Strike by Surrendered Insurgents
Finally, commenting on the 72-hour state-wide shutdown called by a faction of surrendered militants, Choudhury slammed the state government for its complete failure to maintain internal security and law and order.
”This 72-hour strike has absolutely zero public-welfare agenda and serves only to harass common citizens, daily wagers, and business owners. What is shocking is the total inaction of the state police and administration. The government is acting as a silent spectator, allowing a microscopic group to hold the entire state hostage. This total abdication of administrative authority proves that the home department has lost its grip on the state’s security apparatus.”
