CPIM leader, Jitendra Choudhury on Wednesday accused the BJP-led governments in Tripura and at the Centre of imposing an economic burden on common people through fuel price hike, inflation and poor infrastructure.
Chaudhury also questioned the state government’s development claims amid widespread waterlogging and deteriorating road conditions.
Quick Glance
- Jitendra Choudhury criticised the BJP’s “triple-engine government” in Tripura.
- He alleged steep hikes in petrol, diesel, CNG and PNG prices.
- The CPIM leader highlighted poor road conditions in Agartala and other towns.
- Choudhury linked inflation and fuel-related issues to Central government policies.
CPIM Mounts Attack on BJP Over ‘Development Claims’
Agartala: Senior CPIM leader Jitendra Choudhury on Wednesday launched a sharp political attack on the BJP-led government in Tripura.
Speaking to reporters in Agartala, Choudhury questioned the repeated claims of rapid development made by the ruling dispensation over the past eight years.
He referred to the BJP-led alliance as a “triple-engine government” and alleged that the actual condition of infrastructure across Tripura tells a different story.
According to the Opposition leader, several areas across the state experienced severe waterlogging after pre-monsoon rainfall, even before the arrival of the monsoon season.
He mentioned areas such as Ambassa, Dharmanagar and Kailashahar while highlighting the issue.
“The people are witnessing the real state of development,” Choudhury alleged.
Fuel Price Rise Becomes Major Political Issue
The CPIM leader strongly criticised the rising prices of petrol, diesel, LPG and other essential commodities.
He alleged that inflation has increased the financial pressure on ordinary citizens across Tripura.
According to Choudhury, leaders of the BJP government had earlier assured people that there would be no shortage of fuel or essential goods. However, he claimed that the situation changed after the declaration of Assembly election results in five states earlier this month.
He further alleged that the government is now advising people to reduce consumption while reducing office working hours and workdays in certain sectors.
The Opposition leader argued that such developments have created uncertainty among common citizens.
CNG and PNG Price Hike Draws Criticism
A major portion of Choudhury’s statement focused on the increase in prices of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) in Tripura.
He pointed out that Tripura produces natural gas locally and does not depend on imports from West Asian countries for domestic supply.
Referring to his previous tenure as Chairman of Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited, Choudhury claimed that CNG prices remained below Rs 40 per kg before 2018.
He alleged that prices have now climbed to nearly Rs 90 per kg in several parts of the state.
Choudhury also questioned the imposition of a “Road Development Tax” linked to CNG and PNG prices.
Opposition Raises Questions Over Road Infrastructure
The CPIM Politburo member also criticised the condition of roads across Tripura.
He alleged that roads in many places become heavily waterlogged after even moderate rainfall.
According to him, roads across urban and rural areas resemble ponds during rainy conditions.
He claimed that the issue affects national highways, state highways and interior village roads alike.
The remarks come amid growing public discussions over civic infrastructure and urban drainage management in Tripura.
Rising Costs But No Salary Growth: CPIM
Choudhury further argued that prices of fuel and daily-use commodities continue to rise while wages and salaries remain stagnant.
He questioned whether rural workers are receiving adequate employment opportunities or better wages despite increasing inflation.
The CPIM leader also accused elected representatives of securing financial benefits for themselves while ordinary citizens struggle with higher living expenses.
According to him, household expenditures are increasing rapidly while incomes remain under pressure.
CPIM Links Economic Distress to Foreign Policy
In another political attack, Choudhury linked the current economic situation to the Centre’s foreign policy decisions and global geopolitical developments.
He alleged that international tensions have disrupted fuel supply chains and contributed to inflationary pressure in the country.
The CPIM leader described the government’s approach as “anti-people” and appealed to citizens to raise their voices against inflation, unemployment and economic hardship.
Political Significance Ahead of Future Polls
The statement assumes political importance as the CPIM continues to remain the principal Opposition force in Tripura.
Fuel prices, unemployment and infrastructure have emerged as key political issues in the state in recent months.
Political observers believe the latest remarks could trigger a fresh round of confrontation between the BJP and CPIM ahead of upcoming political campaigns and policy debates in Tripura.
People Also Ask
Why did Jitendra Choudhury criticise the Tripura government?
He criticised the government over rising fuel prices, inflation, poor infrastructure and alleged anti-people policies.
What did the CPIM leader say about CNG prices in Tripura?
He claimed that CNG prices increased from below Rs 40 per kg before 2018 to around Rs 90 per kg now.
Which Tripura towns were mentioned in the statement?
Choudhury referred to Agartala, Ambassa, Dharmanagar and Kailashahar while discussing waterlogging and road conditions.