Tripura CPIM State Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Choudhury on September 16 questioned the state government’s funding and use of official machinery for month-long Seva Sankalp programmes linked to birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Key Takeaways:
- Jitendra Choudhury questioned the use of public funds and government machinery for programmes marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.
- The CPIM leader sought clarity on the budgetary provision and funding source for the month-long Seva Sankalp programme.
- Choudhury argued that the government should not use public resources for activities linked to a serving political leader.
Tripura CPIM State Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Choudhury has questioned the state government’s decision to organise month-long Seva Sankalp programmes around Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, seeking clarity on the budgetary provision and source of funding for the initiative.
The Tripura government announced the month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan from September 17 to October 17. Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha said the campaign would combine public service, welfare outreach and other programmes to mark Modi’s 25 years in public service.
Choudhury questions government spending
In a video statement from Agartala on Wednesday, Choudhury said he had no objection to wishing Modi on his birthday. He said he respects Modi as the Prime Minister and as a prominent political personality.
Choudhury also recalled receiving birthday greetings from Modi since he became an MP in 2014. He said he remained grateful for those greetings and had also wished Modi on his birthday.
His objection, he said, concerned the government’s decision to organise and fund official programmes around the occasion.
Choudhury said Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha had announced the month-long programme two days earlier. He questioned whether the state budget contains a specific provision for the activities and asked how the government plans to finance them.
Opposition leader challenges use of state machinery
Choudhury drew a distinction between a political party celebrating its leader and the government organising programmes for the same occasion.
He said the BJP has the right to organise birthday programmes for Modi from its party platform. However, he questioned the use of government resources for such activities because Modi remains a serving Prime Minister and a prominent political figure.
The opposition leader also questioned the involvement of government officials in the programme.
According to Choudhury, using government machinery for activities linked to a political leader risks politicising state institutions. He also alleged that public money could be used to promote the political image of the ruling party’s central leader.
The state government, however, has presented Seva Sankalp as a public-service campaign. Its announced schedule includes welfare outreach, blood donation camps, student activities, Anganwadi programmes, public-service initiatives and other events across Tripura.
Choudhury raises spending priorities
Choudhury then linked his objection to what he described as outstanding financial and administrative issues in the state.
He referred to alleged delays in salaries for Anganwadi workers and scheme workers. He also raised concerns about pension payments involving Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council employees and others.
The CPIM leader further claimed that police personnel were awaiting ration money and that Special Police Officers had not received Puja advances.
He also referred to road repairs, vacant posts and employment opportunities for unemployed youths. Choudhury questioned the government’s spending priorities against this backdrop.
Rural employment claims
Choudhury also challenged the government’s rural employment measures.
He alleged that the 100-day employment guarantee under MGNREGA had effectively been withdrawn. He referred to the government’s claim of providing 125 days of work under a new programme and questioned its implementation.
According to Choudhury, many rural workers had not received even 30 days of work despite much of the year having passed.
He used these issues to question the decision to undertake programmes involving public expenditure in Modi’s name while various financial demands remain pending.
He demands end to govt-funded activities
Choudhury said Dr Manik Saha could greet Modi and congratulate him as a BJP leader. He reiterated that he had himself wished the Prime Minister on his birthday.
However, he argued that the Chief Minister should not use public money to enhance the image of a political leader.
Choudhury described the government’s decision as “illegal, unethical and irregular” and demanded an end to the use of state resources for such activities.
“This should be stopped. That is my appeal and demand,” he said.
