Minister contradicts CM’s stance on post-poll violence relief
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, April 24, 2026
A divergence within the ruling establishment became evident on Thursday as Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Birshaketu Debbarma publicly questioned Chief Minister Manik Saha over the announcement of financial assistance to victims of post-poll violence.
Debbarma, who also serves as General Secretary of Tipra Motha Party, expressed reservations about the utilisation of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), stating that the measure appeared selective rather than inclusive. His remarks created the impression of alignment with positions earlier articulated by opposition parties such as Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Indian National Congress.
Although part of the Council of Ministers, Debbarma criticised the relief announcement, arguing that it resembled targeted financial assistance for a specific political group. He noted that opposition parties had raised pertinent concerns regarding the scope of the relief, particularly questioning why compensation was not extended to all affected individuals, including those impacted in previous instances of electoral violence.
Referring to the aftermath of the 2023 elections, Debbarma observed that several individuals had suffered losses and attacks, and any relief initiative, if undertaken, should have been comprehensive in nature. He emphasised that state assistance must not be perceived as politically selective.
Dismissing allegations of involvement by his party in recent violence, Debbarma stated that immediately after the declaration of results, party leadership had instructed workers to maintain restraint. He maintained that no significant incidents had occurred in his constituency, apart from minor disturbances near two households.
He further revealed that an administrative list identifying 35 individuals as victims eligible for financial assistance had come to his notice. Upon reviewing the list, he expressed surprise, asserting that there was no evidence of misconduct or aggression by members of his party against those named.
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