LoP questions repeated reappointment of retired officials, demands independent inquiry

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 11, 2026

Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury on Friday criticised the repeated reappointment of retired bureaucrats in Tripura, alleging irregularities in the process and calling for an independent investigation into complaints involving some senior officials.

Addressing a press conference at the Assembly, the CPI(M) leader claimed that several retired officers continued to be appointed to key government posts even after completing their terms, raising concerns over transparency and accountability.

He alleged that retired IAS officer Anindya Kumar Bhattacharya had been reappointed seven times and was currently serving as Special Secretary while also holding charge of GAPLT. Chaudhury further alleged that Bhattacharya was facing accusations of submitting false travel allowance bills.

The opposition leader also questioned the purchase and utilisation of seven drones acquired from the State Disaster Response Fund during Bhattacharya's tenure as Director of Fire and Emergency Services, alleging they had not been deployed during firefighting operations or emergency drills. He sought an inquiry into expenditure on repairs of government vehicles at a private garage in Barjala.

Chaudhury also referred to the reported resignation of TPS Grade-I officer Jeremy Darlong, alleging he had cited pressure from a senior official. He further raised allegations concerning Chief Minister's Secretary Pradip Kumar Chakraborty and demanded a neutral probe into all the issues highlighted during the press conference.

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