Tripura Chief Minister Demands Investigation into Tribal Council's Financial Activities
Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has formally raised serious concerns regarding alleged widespread irregularities within the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (ADC). The council is currently governed by TIPRA Motha, the Bharatiya Janata Party's alliance partner in the state. The Chief Minister has called for an immediate and thorough scrutiny of the council's operational activities and its financial transactions over recent years.
Allegations of Misused Development Funds and Worsening Socio-Economic Conditions
Speaking on Monday, CM Saha stated that numerous allegations point to what he described as "massive irregularities" occurring over the past five years. He claimed that substantial ADC funds, specifically allocated for the development of tribal areas and the welfare of tribal communities, were diverted and misused. According to the Chief Minister, these funds were allegedly funneled into "illegal contracts and foreign travels of the leaders" instead of serving their intended purpose.
Furthermore, Saha alleged that the socio-economic condition of backward communities has significantly deteriorated under the current TIPRA Motha administration. He also expressed concern that ethnic divisions among various communities, including tensions between tribal and non-tribal groups, have widened. This growing divide, he warned, poses a genuine threat to the long-term peace and harmony within the state of Tripura.
State Government Monitoring and Pending Disclosure
The Chief Minister confirmed that the state government is actively monitoring these alleged irregularities. He assured that the government would disclose all pertinent facts and findings "at the appropriate time," following a proper investigation. This statement indicates an ongoing internal review of the ADC's governance and financial management.
Controversy Over Village Committee Formation and Election Process
Addressing specific disputes, CM Saha commented on the contentious formation of village committees within the ADC. He accused certain unnamed groups of creating deliberate legal hurdles to disrupt the standard election process through what he termed "unethical and illegal means."
Saha elaborated that new committees were formed in clear violation of established protocol, seemingly with the intent to obstruct scheduled elections. However, he noted that these decisions were later reversed under mounting public and administrative pressure, suggesting a resolution to that particular impasse.
Criticism of Political Maneuvering in Bishramganj
The Chief Minister also directed criticism at recent political moves linked to the proposed Bishramganj Nagar Panchayat area. He alleged that there were deliberate attempts to mislead the public and trigger unnecessary controversy solely for narrow political gains. Saha stated that "the truth had prevailed" in this matter, misconceptions had been successfully cleared, and the situation was now resolved.
He reaffirmed the BJP's commitment to protecting the ADC from what he described as "detrimental politics," while simultaneously ensuring the council focuses on genuine development initiatives and maintains transparent governance for the benefit of all residents.
Call for Unity and Focus on Future Governance
In his concluding remarks, CM Manik Saha urged BJP party workers and supporters to remain united and vigilant. He emphasized the goal of establishing a BJP-led administration in the ADC in the future. Saha expressed confidence that increasing voter awareness was building significant momentum for a return to stable, development-focused governance within the ADC areas, contrasting it with the current alleged mismanagement.
