Agartala, Oct 29: Leader of the Opposition Jiten Chowdhury has criticised the BJP-led government over alleged shortages of essential commodities under the rationing system and called for unity among anti-BJP parties ahead of the upcoming civic elections in Tripura.
Speaking to the media, Chowdhury said discussions were underway at the grassroots level to bring opposition parties and anti-BJP voters together and prevent the division of votes.
He alleged that sugar, pulses and other essential items had remained unavailable through ration shops across the state for the past three to four months, despite the government’s claims of subsidies on sugar and pulses. He questioned the status of the promised subsidies and accused the government of using public funds to promote political leaders’ images instead of addressing people’s needs.
Chowdhury also defended the previous Left Front government’s welfare measures, claiming that subsidised food items and free ration benefits had been provided to people under earlier administrations. He alleged that reduced employment opportunities under MGNREGA and other sectors had affected rural incomes and the festive economy.
On national issues, the CPI(M) leader raised concerns over electoral processes and constitutional safeguards. He demanded the restoration of a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India for appointing Election Commissioners. He also alleged large-scale deletions of legitimate voters’ names during electoral roll revision and called for their restoration.
Chowdhury said opposition parties would continue peaceful and democratic protests to protect voting rights and constitutional institutions.
