Fresh Scandal Rocks Tripura: Tipra Motha MLA Accused of Extortion from Contractors, Days After Minister’s 'Source Money' Controversial Remark

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 5, 2025

Tripura’s ruling alliance found itself embroiled in yet another controversy after a Tipra Motha MLA was accused of extorting money from contractors in Amarpur, just days after a state minister admitted that politicians take money from contractors to fund social activities.The All Tripura Contractors Association (Amarpur Sub-Division Committee) lodged a written complaint to Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha against Pathanlal Jamatia, MLA from Ampinagar constituency under the Tipra Motha party. The complaint, dated September 16, alleged extortion, intimidation, and abuse of power by the legislator and his close associates.

According to the association, development work in the Ampi area has become nearly impossible due to continuous threats and coercion from the MLA’s network. The letter alleged that no contractor could carry out any public work without paying a mandatory commission of 10 percent on project amounts ranging from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 35 crore, describing the demand as an unofficial directive from the MLA himself.The contractors further accused Pathanlal Jamatia of deploying a group of intoxicated youths, including individuals named Birbal Jamatia and Soroj Sinha, to monitor work sites, intimidate workers, and create an atmosphere of fear. “The situation has become unbearable. Workers live in constant fear of violence,” the complaint read.

Copies of the complaint were forwarded to the Chief Secretary (PWD), District Magistrate of Gomati, Chief Engineer, and Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, urging immediate intervention to restore a corruption-free and safe working environment for contractors in tribal-dominated regions.The allegations have come as a major embarrassment to both the state administration and the ruling BJP-Tipra Motha alliance, already facing criticism over corruption and political misconduct.

Just recently, state minister Sudhangshu Das sparked widespread outrage by publicly in TV camera admitting in an interview that he took money from contractors and asserted that others do the same. The minister’s remark drew sharp condemnation from opposition parties and civil society groups, who demanded his resignation.

Adding to the controversy, similar allegations of extortion had earlier surfaced against another Tipra Motha MLA from an adjacent sub-division, raising serious questions about the integrity and transparency of the government’s development mechanisms.As public pressure mounts, political analysts say the issue could deepen fissures within the BJP-Tipra Motha alliance and undermine public trust in the ruling establishment, which has repeatedly promised to eliminate corruption and ensure accountability in governance.

The state government has yet to issue an official statement on the complaint.

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