Jitendra Chaudhury Accuses BJP Government of Undermining Democracy, Development and Public Welfare in Tripura

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, August 24, 2026

Opposition leader and CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government in Tripura, alleging that the state’s much-publicised claims of good governance are increasingly being contradicted by incidents of political violence, administrative irregularities, corruption and alleged misuse of public resources.

Addressing a gathering of government employees and political workers in Agartala on Sunday, Chaudhury alleged that the BJP government’s tenure has witnessed a deterioration in the democratic and political environment of the state. He claimed that opposition parties and their workers are facing pressure and that political violence has become a recurring feature of Tripura’s political landscape.

Referring to the recent incident at the Pratapgarh Assembly constituency, Chaudhury alleged that the incident reflected the fearful political atmosphere prevailing in the state. He also questioned the role of elected representatives in ensuring that development activities are carried out fairly and transparently.

Chaudhury particularly raised allegations concerning CPI(M) MLA Ramu Das, claiming that several development works initiated or recommended in his constituency had allegedly encountered obstacles. He alleged that although government rules require development funds to be utilised for public purposes, several roads and other development works had reportedly faced difficulties when signboards carrying the MLA’s name were installed.

According to Chaudhury, such incidents raise questions about whether elected representatives are being allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities without political interference. He further alleged that supporters of the ruling BJP had engaged in acts of intimidation, including incidents occurring at night as well as during the day.

The opposition leader also criticised what he described as the deterioration of law and order and the alleged creation of an atmosphere of political intolerance. He claimed that individuals responsible for implementing development projects are sometimes subjected to pressure and that government officials and contractors may face difficulties if they refuse to comply with political demands. These allegations, however, require independent verification from the concerned authorities.

Chaudhury also raised questions over the implementation and outcome of the Smart City project in Agartala, alleging that substantial public money has been spent on infrastructure and facilities without delivering the expected benefits to citizens. He referred particularly to the installation of digital water meters and related public-service infrastructure, claiming that several facilities established under the Smart City initiative have either become dysfunctional or are not operating as originally intended.

He questioned whether the government had conducted an assessment of the actual benefits generated by these investments and whether adequate mechanisms exist to maintain the infrastructure after its installation. Chaudhury alleged that facilities created in different parts of Agartala at considerable public expense are now lying unused or in poor condition.

He also cited passenger shelters constructed under the Smart City project, claiming that some have deteriorated significantly and that certain facilities are allegedly being used for purposes other than those originally intended. He further alleged that some passenger shelters have become vulnerable to misuse by anti-social elements and said the deterioration of public infrastructure reflects a lack of proper maintenance and monitoring.

Chaudhury questioned whether the government has a clear policy for maintaining completed Smart City projects and ensuring that public money produces sustainable benefits. He argued that merely inaugurating projects without ensuring their continued functionality cannot be considered successful urban development.

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