TPSC Chairman Kush Kumar Sharma Meets Governor Amid Ongoing Controversy, Contents of Discussion Unknown, Raj Bhavan Shares Meeting Photo on Instagram
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, January 7, 2026
The controversy surrounding the Chairman of the Tripura Public Service Commission (TPSC), Colonel Kush Kumar Sharma (Retd.), has further intensified following his courtesy meeting with the Hon’ble Governor of Tripura, Shri Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, at Raj Bhavan yesterday. The meeting has drawn wide public attention as it comes in the backdrop of a serious criminal case, mounting public outrage, and ongoing debate over the constitutional protections enjoyed by the head of the state’s premier recruitment body.
Significantly, it is not known what discussions took place between the Governor and the TPSC Chairman during the meeting. However, it has been officially observed that the Governor himself released photographs of the meeting on his official Instagram page, showing Colonel Kush Kumar Sharma calling on him at Raj Bhavan. The release of the images has triggered fresh speculation and political discussion, given the sensitive context in which the meeting occurred.
Colonel Kush Kumar Sharma was appointed as Chairman of the Tripura Public Service Commission on July 27, 2023. As per constitutional provisions and official records, including references reflected in Union Public Service Commission-related documents, his tenure is scheduled to continue until April 14, 2026, unless removed through constitutionally prescribed procedures.
The controversy gained momentum following an incident reported on the night of December 28, 2025, at Polo Towers Hotel in Agartala. In connection with the incident, NCC Police Station Case No. 2025NCC088 dated December 29, 2025, has been registered under Sections 132, 121(1), 117(2), 351(3), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The complaint was lodged by Head Constable Shyamal Ghosh (49), attached to the Security Unit, Tripura, who was posted as the Personal Security Officer (PSO) to Transport and Food Minister Sushanta Chowdhury. According to the written complaint, the incident occurred when the Minister and his security detail were attempting to leave Polo Towers Hotel around 10:30 pm after performing official duties. A vehicle allegedly blocked the Minister’s convoy, and when requested to move, the TPSC Chairman , allegedly in an intoxicated state and his son reportedly came out, abused the Minister and security personnel, and became aggressive.
The complaint further alleges that the accused attempted to attack the Minister, issued death threats, and tried to snatch firearms from on-duty TSR personnel. During the scuffle, TSR jawan Sukanta Bhowmik reportedly fell to the ground and sustained injuries, while another jawan, Kartik Das, also faced an attempted weapon snatching. After a struggle, the weapons were recovered, and the situation was brought under control following the arrival of NCC Police Station personnel. The complainant later identified the accused as Kush Kumar Sharma and his son Meghashish Sharma. The case has since been taken up for investigation.
The incident, reportedly witnessed by members of the public, including Prabashi Tripurabashis and media personnel, sparked widespread outrage after visuals and descriptions circulated on social media. Critics have described the episode as deeply damaging to the dignity of a constitutional office and the credibility of an institution entrusted with recruiting the state’s future administrators.
Sources indicate that following the incident, there was an informal expectation within government circles that the TPSC Chairman might resign. However, Colonel Sharma has reportedly made it clear that he has no intention of stepping down, asserting that his position is protected under the Constitution.
Senior bureaucrats and constitutional experts emphasize that the Chairman of a State Public Service Commission can be removed only through impeachment by Parliament, a complex and time-consuming process. While the Governor has limited powers under exceptional circumstances, sources at Raj Bhavan suggest there is currently no inclination to invoke such authority, making the Governor’s public sharing of the meeting photograph all the more significant in the present context.
The controversy has also revived debate over eligibility norms for the post of TPSC Chairman. A former retired member of the Commission has questioned the appointment, noting that the position has traditionally been held by retired District Judges or senior IAS and IPS officers of Principal Secretary or Inspector General rank. He observed that while military service commands respect, it may not fully substitute for the administrative and quasi-judicial experience typically required to head a constitutional recruitment body.
Observers warn that the ongoing controversy risks eroding public confidence in the Tripura Public Service Commission, which plays a crucial role in conducting recruitment examinations and promotion-related assessments for government services. Political sources further allege that Colonel Sharma’s appointment was backed by influential political quarters, including a strong lobby based in Delhi, making effective state-level intervention difficult. These claims, though unverified, have added to the perception of political and constitutional helplessness.
In the present circumstances, the Tripura government appears to have accepted the constitutional reality that no immediate administrative or political remedy is available. With several important recruitment processes underway, the state is also reluctant to destabilize the Commission through a prolonged constitutional confrontation.
As matters stand, unless impeachment proceedings are initiated in Parliament or an extraordinary intervention is made by the Governor, Colonel Kush Kumar Sharma is expected to continue as Chairman of the Tripura Public Service Commission until the completion of his tenure on April 14, 2026, even as investigations continue and public scrutiny intensifies.
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