Former CM Manik Sarkar Forced to Spend Night at Party Office After Alleged impolite behaviour by Minister Bikash Debbarma at Kanchanpur Dak Bungalow

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, February 15, 2026

A major political controversy has surfaced in Kanchanpur subdivision after former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar reportedly failed to secure accommodation at a government dak bungalow during a party programme, allegedly due to the conduct and intervention of Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma. The incident has sparked strong reactions across political circles and raised questions about administrative functioning and protocol adherence.

Reportedly, Manik Sarkar had travelled to Kanchanpur to attend a party meeting and public rally organized by the CPI(M) subdivision committee. According to party sources, the local administration had been officially informed about the programme well in advance, including Sarkar’s participation and overnight stay plans.

Following protocol norms applicable to a former Chief Minister, the Sub-Divisional Administration reportedly arranged accommodation for him for Friday night stay at the government dak bungalow under the authority of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate. Initially, the No. 1 VIP room was allotted for his stay.

Sources said that the arrangement changed after news emerged of a visit by Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma. The room allotted to Manik Sarkar was reportedly altered, and he was shifted to another VIP room. Despite the change, Sarkar allegedly did not raise objections.

However, the situation became complicated ahead of his arrival when large numbers of people gathered at the dak bungalow premises in connection with a ruling party programme. Party leaders claim that Minister Bikash Debbarma, accompanied by other BJP functionaries, entered the dak bungalow shortly before Sarkar’s arrival, leading to confusion over accommodation.

As the crowd increased and the environment became politically charged, the administration reportedly requested Manik Sarkar to shift to another government guest house. Initially Manik Sarkar agreed. But when it was reported to him that that government accommodation was also pre-booked, he declined the proposal, citing the prior arrangement and protocol.

With no suitable accommodation available, the former Chief Minister ultimately spent the night at a dilapidated local party office, an incident that opposition leaders described as humiliating and unprecedented.

The episode reportedly placed local administrative officials in an awkward position. Sources indicated that both civil administration and police officials struggled to manage the overlapping political programmes and accommodation disputes.

After news of the incident spread, strong reactions emerged among residents and political observers, many describing it as an embarrassment for the local administration and a reflection of increasing political tension in the area.

Despite the controversy, the CPI(M) rally proceeded as planned at the Samannay Bhavan ground in Kanchanpur. Party leaders claimed that the gathering witnessed large public participation, accompanied by marches and slogan-raising processions.

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