Agartala, Oct 27, 2024, TRIPURATIMES Desk
Agartala, Oct 27: Former Chief Minister of Tripura and CPIM Politburo member Manik Sarkar criticized both the central and state governments on Sunday, asserting that the BJP administration has failed to make public-oriented decisions.
Speaking at a mid-term review meeting of the Tripura Rajya Matsyajibi (Fishermen) Union at Krishak Bhavan in Agartala, Sarkar expressed his concerns over several pressing issues, including rising unemployment, reduced MGNREGA workdays and the recent devastating floods in the state.
He emphasized that the BJP government has not adequately addressed the unemployment crisis, instead opting for a contractual job system even in sectors like defense, which undermines job security for many. Besides, he pointed out that the reduction in MGNREGA workdays has disproportionately affected rural poor communities.
Sarkar further lamented the government's lack of response to the severe flooding in Tripura, holding the state administration accountable for not advocating effectively for special financial assistance.
“The Prime Minister shows complete indifference to Tripura. When floods struck Gujarat, he approved special funds for his home state. The treatment Tripura is receiving suggests our state is nearly invisible on India’s map, while our state government has not successfully pressured the Centre for support,” he stated.
Highlighting the catastrophic impact of the floods, he said, “In the past 40 years, Tripura has never seen floods of this magnitude. Approximately 17 to 18 lakh people have been affected, with significant damage to agriculture, infrastructure, electricity, fisheries and personal property. Yet, the Centre remains unresponsive.”
Sarkar also condemned a recent custodial death in the state, linking it to a troubling increase in police brutality. “Since the BJP came to power, incidents of police violence have surged. Around six to seven under-trial detainees have died in custody, with their families receiving no justice. Since the 2023 assembly elections, there has been a noticeable rise in crimes against women, drug abuse and theft. When victims approach law enforcement, they are often told to seek help from local Mandal leaders instead of receiving proper assistance,” he asserted.
Sarkar commented on the national political landscape, referencing Congress’s recent electoral defeat in Haryana. “The loss in Haryana served as a wake-up call for an overconfident Congress. Since then, Rahul Gandhi appears to be taking a more proactive role in resolving seat-sharing disputes as the upcoming elections approach,” he added.
Other CPIM leaders including, Pilluvila Stanley, the General Secretary of the All India Fishermen and Fish Workers Federation and Sudhan Das, General Secretary of the Tripura Scheduled Caste Coordination Committee and vice president of the All India Committee.
The meeting aimed to assess the current status of the union’s initiatives and discuss strategies for the advancement of fishermen's rights and welfare in the state.