Agartala, September 27, 2024: In a scathing attack against the ruling BJP government, CPIM State Secretary and Opposition Leader Jitendra Chaudhury accused the government of rampant corruption and negligence, asserting that “corruption is another name for the BJP government.”
Speaking at a press conference in Agartala city on Friday morning, Chaudhury went on to claim that in Tripura, the words “corruption” and “BJP” have become synonymous, reflecting the frustration of the opposition over the state’s governance.
Chaudhury’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation and increasing allegations of corruption in Tripura. “Tripura has become the capital of women’s abuse,” he said, drawing attention to the alarming rise in violence against women in the state. “People from all walks of life are endangered due to the malfeasance of the BJP government. An uncomfortable situation is brewing in the state,” he added, expressing concern for the safety of citizens.
In protest, the CPIM has called for a large-scale demonstration during the Durga Puja festivities, with a march scheduled for October 3. The timing of the protest underscores the gravity of the situation, as Chaudhury urged citizens to unite against what he described as widespread corruption and governmental failure.
Chaudhury specifically criticized the BJP’s handling of the recent floods, accusing the administration of being apathetic and incompetent in providing relief and rehabilitation to the victims. “During the recent floods, Tripura suffered immense damage, both in terms of infrastructure and financially,” he said. “But while the opposition stood by the people without political bias, the BJP government failed to show the same humanity. The ruling party treated the flood victims inhumanely during their time of need, and corruption was evident even in the distribution of relief materials,” he charged.
The CPIM leader also pointed to serious irregularities in the state’s Electricity Corporation, further accusing the BJP of allowing corruption to seep into all areas of governance. “CPIM will move in protest against these practices,” he asserted.
In a stinging critique of the government’s economic policies, Chaudhury highlighted the growing unemployment in Tripura, claiming it had reached “extreme levels.” “Thousands of people’s lives are being destroyed. The BJP is playing with the lives of the unemployed,” Chaudhury said, noting that job irregularities and corruption in recruitment have left many without prospects.
According to Chaudhury, the situation is particularly dire in the rural areas of Tripura. “During the previous CPM government, extensive work was organized in villages before Durga Puja to ensure that the rural population could celebrate the festival in peace and happiness. Enthusiasm was palpable among the people back then,” he recalled. “But now, there is a severe shortage of work, food, and shelter in the villages. The rural areas are in mourning.”
Chaudhury also raised the issue of fraudulent hiring practices, alleging that foreign youths are securing government jobs through fake Permanent Resident Certificates (PRTC). “This is not just a failure of governance but a betrayal of the state’s youth,” he said.
The CPIM leader did not mince words when addressing the surge in violence against women in the state. “Every day, somewhere in Tripura, women are being tortured,” he stated, claiming that the state has now become synonymous with gender-based violence. “People of the ruling party BJP are involved in every incident of illegal trade and abuse against women,” he alleged. Despite this, Chaudhury criticized the police and administration for what he described as their “passive role” in addressing these crimes. “It is disheartening to see that despite knowing all the facts, the police choose to remain inactive,” he added.
The CPIM’s protest march in October is expected to further escalate the political tensions in the state, with Chaudhury vowing to hold the BJP accountable for its alleged failures in governance and justice.
As Tripura heads into a politically charged Durga Puja season, the CPIM is rallying the masses against what they call the BJP’s rampant corruption and neglect. With Chaudhury leading the charge, the opposition is determined to bring attention to the rising unemployment, corruption, and violence that, according to them, have become hallmarks of the current administration.
