Agartala, June 13: CPI(M) Tripura state secretary and Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury on Friday questioned the political stand of Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, alleging that the differences projected between the BJP and its ally in Tripura were aimed at creating a perception of political confrontation among the public.
Reacting to Debbarman’s recent remarks that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were willing to address the concerns of indigenous communities in Tripura, Chaudhury said the Tipra Motha leader appeared to maintain contradictory positions at the state and national levels.
“He criticises the BJP-led state government on issues related to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and Sixth Schedule areas, while maintaining cordial relations with the BJP leadership at the Centre,” Chaudhury alleged, claiming that such an approach had characterised Debbarman’s politics from the beginning.
The CPI(M) leader further alleged that the apparent differences between the BJP and Tipra Motha in Tripura were not genuine. He also disagreed with claims that no political party other than the BJP had worked for tribal welfare, arguing that several important issues concerning indigenous rights remained unresolved.
Chaudhury alleged that the implementation of the Forest Rights Act had been inadequate and noted that the proposed 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, aimed at strengthening Sixth Schedule provisions, had not progressed.
Referring to the ongoing blockade launched by former militants seeking implementation of rehabilitation commitments, Chaudhury blamed the unrest on the government’s failure to address grievances promptly. He claimed that assurances made under peace accords and rehabilitation packages had not been fully implemented.
The opposition leader also raised concerns over the continued re-employment of certain retired bureaucrats in key positions, calling for greater transparency in administrative appointments.
Highlighting financial issues, Chaudhury alleged delays in salary and wage payments to thousands of employees, including engineers, Rural Development Department staff, Anganwadi workers and MGNREGA labourers. He urged the government to address the matter on priority.
Expressing concern over legal developments affecting teachers recruited before 2009, he called for consultations with the Centre and exploration of legal remedies, including a review petition, citing the state’s reported shortage of nearly 12,000 teachers and the potential impact on school functioning.
