Tipra Motha’s Contractor Mafias Locks ADC Sports Office in Khumulwng Over Tender Dispute, Growing Anger Within Ruling Party Allies

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 2, 2025

Widespread resentment has erupted within the Autonomous District Council (ADC) over allegations of interference by a group of Tipra Motha’s contractor mafia in government projects. The latest incident occurred yesterday when a group of contractors, reportedly linked to the ruling party’s ally TIPRA Motha, locked the office of the Principal Officer of the ADC Sports Department in the headquarters at Agartala.

According to sources, the controversy began over a tender issued by the ADC Sports Department for supplying sports materials across eight zones of the state. The contract was reportedly awarded to firms from outside Tripura, which infuriated local contractors associated with the ruling party.

On Saturday afternoon around 4 p.m., a group of contractors led by the younger brother of MDC Ganesh Debbarma arrived at the Sports Department office. They allegedly locked the office from the outside, confining the Principal Officer and staff inside. The protesters demanded that the tender process be canceled and that local ADC-area contractors be awarded the work instead.

After several hours of confinement, a representative team held discussions with the Principal Officer, who assured that the matter would be reported to higher authorities. Following this assurance, the office was unlocked, and Principal Secretary Upendra Debbarma and other officials were released.

Contractors alleged that major ADC projects, including the synthetic playground, hospital construction, and the musical fountain, have repeatedly been handed over to outside agencies worth crores of rupees. They warned that awarding this latest contract to non-local firms could lead to further unrest.

This is not an isolated incident. Similar conflicts over tenders and contracts have been reported in Kailashahar, Amarpur, Charilam, Udaipur, Belonia, and Sabroom. In several cases, internal clashes among ruling party groups have even forced some contractors to seek police protection.

Authentic contractors have expressed deep concern over what they describe as a mafia raj dominating ADC offices. Despite Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha’s repeated public warnings against such corrupt practices, little progress has been seen in curbing the influence of politically backed contractor syndicates.

The situation highlights an alarming trend of political interference and intimidation in the state’s tender and contract processes, with growing fears that genuine contractors are being pushed out by mafia-linked networks operating under political patronage.

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