Tripura Lokayukta resigns before completing two years, citing health reasons

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 10, 2026

Tripura Lokayukta B K Kilikdar has resigned from office less than two years after taking charge, citing health reasons, officials said. Kilikdar submitted his resignation to Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu three days ago, according to sources. The resignation has since been accepted, and the state government has been asked to initiate the process for appointing his successor.

Kilikdar, a former judicial officer, was appointed as Tripura’s fourth Lokayukta on August 16, 2024.

His resignation, however, has triggered discussion within the state administration over some of the recent actions taken by the Lokayukta’s office. Sources in the administration claimed that there was a perception within a section of the government that the office was taking what was described as “targeted” action against certain government officials and employees.

One issue that reportedly contributed to the unease involved a notice issued recently to a senior bureaucrat over a decision taken around 15 years ago, when the officer was serving as Director of the Education Department.

According to administrative sources, the Lokayukta’s office sought a response from the Education Department on the matter and also directed the officer concerned to appear in person. The move reportedly led to questions within the administration over the manner in which the matter was being pursued, given the time that had elapsed since the original decision.

The issue was subsequently brought to the notice of the Chief Minister and the Governor, sources said. This reportedly added to concerns at the higher levels of the administration regarding certain proceedings initiated by the Lokayukta’s office.

There has been no official statement, however, linking Kilikdar’s resignation to any disagreement with the state government or the Raj Bhavan. The stated reason for his resignation remains health-related.

The development comes against the backdrop of the Lokayukta’s role as an independent anti-corruption institution. The office was established in Tripura during the Left Front government, with the state appointing its first Lokayukta in December 2012. The institution subsequently acquired a broader statutory framework following the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

Kilikdar’s resignation has therefore raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his departure, particularly because it comes before the completion of two years in office. While administrative circles have pointed to differences over some recent proceedings, there is no official confirmation that such issues played a role in his decision to step down.

Sources also indicated that there has been disquiet within sections of the government over the functioning of senior officials in some other commissions. Whether Kilikdar’s resignation is an isolated development or part of a wider concern over the functioning of such institutions remains unclear.

For now, the immediate focus is on the appointment of a new Lokayukta. The circumstances surrounding Kilikdar’s resignation are also likely to remain under scrutiny unless the government or Raj Bhavan issues a more detailed explanation.

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