Minister’s Brother in Spotlight: BPL Card Holder Turned Crorepati Sparks Controversy in Dharmanagar
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, August 31, 2025
Dharmanagar has been rocked by a major controversy after a sensational property deal involving Minister Sudhanshu Das’s brother came to light. On Friday, through a notarized land sale deed, a property transaction worth Rs. 1,27,26,000 was completed in the town. While the legality of the transaction itself is not in question, the buyer’s identity has triggered a political storm.
The purchaser is alleged to be the brother of Minister Sudhanshu Das, who was felicitated by the Tripura government last year as the highest GST payer in the state. What has raised eyebrows is the fact that only a few years ago, the family reportedly held a Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration card. Critics and opposition leaders are questioning how a BPL card holder’s family member could suddenly amass such enormous wealth within a short span of time.
Local sources claim that the actual market value of the multi storied commercial cum residential property at Thana Road in Dharmanagar could be anywhere between Rs. 4 to Rs. 5 crores far higher than the registered amount. Opposition parties have asked how someone, who once struggled to run a household working at a shop, is now able to purchase prime real estate worth crores and simultaneously project himself as one of the state’s top taxpayers.
Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury has already raised sharp questions over the issue. How can a BPL card holder suddenly become the highest tax payer in the state? he asked, demanding an explanation. In a strongly worded social media post on Saturday morning, Chaudhury mocked the meteoric financial rise of the minister’s brother, saying that the pace of his economic growth surpasses even Elon Musk’s SpaceX rocket.
He alleged that within just a few years, the minister’s brother has emerged as the uncrowned contractor emperor of Unakoti and North districts, controlling a wide network of government related works. Recently, he even purchased a lavish commercial building in the heart of Dharmanagar for several crores.
Amid Tripura’s ongoing economic challenges, the incident has also sparked public anger. Many are demanding that the Chief Minister order an inquiry through central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or the CBI to uncover the true source of the funds used for such high value acquisitions.
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