AGARTALA: In a comprehensive press interaction today, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha broke his silence on the swirling political controversies in the state. Addressing a crowded media gathering, the Chief Minister slammed the opposition’s allegations regarding the appointment of the new State Election Commissioner (SEC) and presented the government’s firm stance on high-level administrative appointments, education reforms, and the ongoing anti-narcotics crusade.
The SEC Appointment Controversy: CM Hits Back
Responding directly to the recent allegations leveled by the Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee regarding the appointment of P.K. Chakraborty as the State Election Commissioner, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha dismissed the opposition’s claims as completely baseless and politically motivated.
”The appointment of the State Election Commissioner has been conducted in absolute adherence to constitutional norms, administrative protocols, and transparency. The opposition has a habit of questioning every democratic institution and administrative decision when they lack a constructive agenda. Our government operates on transparency, and there is no room for compromise here,” the Chief Minister asserted.
VC Elections and Educational Reforms
Turning the focus toward the state’s education sector, Dr. Saha addressed the upcoming Vice-Chancellor (VC) selection processes and administrative restructuring in state universities. He reiterated that the government is committed to maintaining complete academic autonomy and meritocracy. He emphasized that the administration’s primary goal is to transform Tripura into an educational hub by upgrading school and higher education infrastructure, filling up key vacancies, and ensuring a peaceful academic environment free from political interference.
On Congress Restructuring: “Internal Circus”
When media personnel sought his reaction to the ongoing ‘Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan’ and the restructuring of district and block committees by the opposition Congress, the Chief Minister brushed it aside as inconsequential. He noted that the public has repeatedly rejected the opportunistic alliances of the opposition, and no amount of committee shuffling will change their political fortunes in Tripura.
Zero Tolerance: The War on Drugs Continues
Reaffirming his government’s flagship objective, the Chief Minister declared that the state’s zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking is showing unprecedented results. He noted that law enforcement agencies have been given a free hand to crack down on the drug mafia, regardless of their political affiliations.
”Our mission to build a Nasha-Mukt Tripura (Drug-Free Tripura) is moving forward on a war footing. Huge seizures are being made daily, and we are breaking the backs of the cross-border smuggling networks to protect our youth,” Dr. Saha stated, concluding his press brief by urging all citizens, social organizations, and the media to actively partner with the government in this social reform.
