BJP Suspends Ward 45 Candidate List in Badharghat Amid Rs 5 Lakh Ticket-Selling Allegations, Mandal President Served Show-Cause Notice

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 4, 2026

The BJP’s candidate selection for the upcoming municipal elections has triggered a major internal controversy in Badharghat Assembly constituency, with serious allegations of money being exchanged for a councillor ticket, protests by party workers, and the suspension of the candidate list for Ward No. 45.

The BJP’s Tripura unit has reportedly suspended the candidate announcement for the ward following allegations against Badharghat Mandal President Manish Deb. Party sources said Deb has been served a written show-cause notice by the state leadership over alleged misconduct.

The controversy erupted after party workers and local leaders allegedly discovered that the name of Apu Addya, who had been recommended by local leadership and reportedly placed first on the list submitted to the state BJP office, had been replaced by Kajal Rani Debnath shortly before the official announcement.

According to allegations circulating within the party, the replacement was allegedly facilitated by the Mandal president in exchange for Rs 5 lakh.

The development sparked anger among BJP workers, who staged protests at the residence of Badharghat MLA Minarani Sarkar. The MLA was reportedly taken by surprise by the sudden change in the candidate selection process.

Party workers claimed that Sarkar had forwarded Apu Addya’s name to the state BJP office in response to demands from local leaders and workers. However, just hours before the candidate list was due to be announced on Tuesday, they allegedly learned that Kajal Rani Debnath’s name had been substituted.

The controversy has reportedly placed the MLA in a difficult position, with local leaders warning that selecting a candidate against the wishes of grassroots workers could damage the party’s electoral prospects.

The latest controversy has also revived earlier allegations against Manish Deb. He was reportedly accused of encroaching upon and selling land belonging to an ashram, prompting the institution’s management to initiate legal proceedings. The case is reportedly registered as JR 1 TS 47/2025.

Deb has also faced criticism over allegedly making objectionable remarks about the Chief Minister while holding a position in the ruling party. These allegations reportedly drew the attention of the BJP’s state leadership and contributed to the issuance of the show-cause notice.

Some local party leaders believe Deb could be removed from the Mandal president’s post after the municipal elections.

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