Agartala, July 30, 2025: In a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), former Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar on Wednesday alleged widespread corruption across government offices in Tripura and accused the BJP-led government of unleashing a “reign of loot” in the state.

Addressing a protest rally at Orient Chowmuni in Agartala, Sarkar said, “Corruption has spread to every corner of the administration. The BJP government is the epitome of corruption. What we are witnessing today is nothing short of a loot raj in Tripura. Now, Tipra Matha has also joined in.”

The rally, organized to protest recent hikes in electricity, CNG, PNG, drinking water, and Gomati milk prices, saw participation from CPI(M) state secretary and Politburo member Jitendra Chowdhury, former minister Manik Dey, and other Left leaders.

Lashing out at the ruling party’s track record, Sarkar said, “In 2018 and again in 2023, the BJP made ten grand promises to the people of Tripura. But not once did they mention that they would impose tax after tax. Today, the people are being burdened with constant hikes in utility prices.”

He further alleged that despite the BJP being in power at the Centre, it has failed to support the states in fulfilling their commitments. “During the election campaign, even the Union Finance Minister promised central financial support. That too turned out to be hollow. These were all tricks to grab power,” Sarkar remarked.

CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chowdhury echoed the concerns and accused the BJP government of betraying public trust. “The people now realise that this RSS-backed BJP government came to power through false promises. They misled the voters with a flashy manifesto, but it hasn’t brought any relief. On the contrary, people are facing rising prices and tax burdens,” he said.

He added, “The BJP government came to power by stifling voices of dissent. Since then, the prices of essentials have shot up. Now they are even pushing smart meters onto consumers despite widespread objections. But the government refuses to listen.”

Chowdhury also blamed Tipra Matha for aligning with the BJP in the 2023 elections, alleging that it helped the BJP retain power and later misgoverned the Autonomous District Council (ADC) areas. “After winning, Tipra Matha turned the ADC into a hub of corruption. Salaries are delayed, and there’s a massive shortage of teachers in schools and colleges in tribal areas,” he said.