BJP MLA and Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Pal Publicly Cuts Ties with Party Leader Ratan Das over Drug Trade Allegations

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 15, 2025

In a dramatic political development in Tripura, ruling BJP's MLA and Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Ram Prasad Pal, has publicly accused Ratan Das, a former Congress leader and currently a local BJP functionary, of involvement in the illegal drug trade and other antisocial activities.

The explosive statement came during a public meeting held this morning at Kathaltali Bazar under Surjyamaninagar Assembly constituency. Addressing local residents and police personnel on duty present at the gathering, Ram Prasad Pal declared that Ratan Das no longer has any connection with the BJP from today onward.

The MLA alleged that Ratan Das was directly linked to supplying drugs in the locality. Recently in a tragic incident in which a youth addicted to drugs committed suicide. Local residents reportedly identified the person supplying drugs to the deceased youth, and a complaint has already been lodged against that individual and a female BJP leader who allegedly supported the accused. However, no arrests have been made yet, further fuelling public resentment.

Pal also pointed to several other serious allegations against Ratan Das, including his alleged involvement in a recent kidnapping incident and extortion from local contractors. He claimed that despite multiple warnings, Ratan Das not only ignored them but also started conspiring against long-time BJP supporters in the area and began interfering in police matters.

According to Pal, Ratan Das often uses the party’s name to shield land brokers and drug dealers, preventing law enforcement agencies from taking necessary actions. This ongoing situation, he said, has become intolerable.

Taking a firm stand, Ram Prasad Pal told the gathering that from this day, Ratan Das must not be considered associated with the BJP in any form. He further declared that the Surjyamaninagar Assembly constituency will not tolerate drug dealing, land mafia activity, or any other antisocial behavior.

Pal also appealed to the public to resist and protest against anyone trying to create unrest in the name of the BJP, stressing that the party should not be a shield for criminal elements. His bold announcement marks a significant internal conflict within the BJP ranks in Tripura, likely to cause ripples in the state’s political landscape.

This public disowning of a party leader by a sitting MLA and Deputy Speaker underscores growing concerns over drug abuse and criminal activity in Tripura’s rural belts and the need for decisive action against those exploiting political cover for unlawful gains.

more news...