Agartala: Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury on Monday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led state government, accusing it of curtailing people’s rights, failing to generate employment and neglecting rural and tribal communities.

Addressing supporters during the Left Front’s Jail Bharo agitation, Chaudhury alleged that the BJP’s much-publicised “double-engine government” had failed to address the problems confronting people in villages and hill areas.

He claimed that employment opportunities for youths had declined and alleged that the traditional rights of jhum cultivators had also been affected, causing hardship among communities dependent on shifting cultivation.

Highlighting what he described as growing distress in rural and tribal areas, Chaudhury claimed that frustration and helplessness had reached alarming levels in some parts of the state. He referred to reported incidents involving children allegedly being sold and blamed economic hardship for such situations.

The Opposition leader also accused various government departments of functioning under what he termed a “regime of loot”. He alleged that corruption, administrative failures and mismanagement had compounded the difficulties faced by ordinary people.

Chaudhury said the Jail Bharo agitation was aimed at sending a strong message to the state government and pressing it to take immediate measures to address public grievances.

“When rulers turn despotic, citizens are compelled to take the path of civil disobedience,” he told the gathering, while calling upon Left supporters to intensify their democratic movement.

Referring to the historical significance of August in India’s freedom struggle, Chaudhury described it as a month associated with struggle and sacrifice and urged party workers and supporters to carry forward the movement in defence of people’s rights.

According to Chaudhury, the agitation was not restricted to Agartala. Similar programmes were organised simultaneously at nearly 20 locations across Tripura, which he said demonstrated widespread dissatisfaction over various public issues.

He called upon Left Front workers to further strengthen the movement and continue raising issues concerning employment, rural livelihoods and the rights of marginalised communities.

Chaudhury asserted that the CPI(M) would continue its political and democratic movements until the government addressed what he described as the pressing problems and demands of the people.