Minister Sudhanshu Das Defends Family Amid Controversy, Threatens Legal Action Against Jitendra Chaudhury and Facebook Channel
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, October 17, 2025
Tripura Minister Sudhanshu Das today addressed a press conference to counter the growing controversy surrounding his recent remarks and allegations made by opposition leaders. Breaking his silence, Das clarified that his brother is not among Tripura’s top taxpayers, and that claims linking his family’s financial status to past Below Poverty Line (BPL) listings are “baseless and politically motivated.”
The minister stated that since his mother was listed as a BPL beneficiary in 2017, “that cannot be used as a weapon to insult or discredit” his family in 2025. He added that “earning money through legal means and paying tax accordingly is no wrongdoing,” and slammed opposition leaders for “malicious campaigns” against his family.
Das directly accused Jitendra Choudhury (CPM State Secretary), Ashish Saha, and Sudip Roy Barman of harboring “deep political jealousy” toward him. He alleged that these leaders “repeatedly insult his mother” by spreading false information about her BPL status, and demanded a public apology from Jitendra Choudhury. Failing that, Das announced he is preparing to file a defamation case after October 26.
The minister also targeted the Facebook channel that aired his controversial interview, claiming that the platform “deliberately edited and distorted” his statements. He alleged that the interviewers demanded Rs. 5–7 lakh from him after the recording, and when he refused, they broadcasted “misleading and manipulated” content. Das warned of legal action against the channel as well.
In a sharp counterattack against critics, the minister claimed that those demanding his removal from the Cabinet, including Jitendra Choudhury, Ashish Saha, and Sudip Roy Barman are themselves corrupt.
Das firmly stated, “If anyone can prove that I or my family earned money through illegal means, I will resign immediately.”
The controversy erupted after his earlier comments in a Facebook interview went viral, where Das admitted that political leaders, including himself, receive money from contractors and other sources, calling it an “open secret.” His candid admission drew widespread criticism, with many questioning how a minister could “justify corruption so casually.”
As the political storm intensifies, Tripura’s political landscape has been shaken by this rare admission and the minister’s defiant defense, putting both his integrity and the government’s image under public scrutiny.
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