Agartala: Sept 14: Today, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma addressed the corruption allegations raised by MLA Sudip Roy Barman in the assembly. Minister Debbarma claimed that MLA Barman had presented false information and issued a 48-hour deadline for an apology. He threatened to file a defamation suit against Mr. Barman if the apology is not forthcoming. Additionally, Minister Debbarma challenged that if the allegations are proven true, he would retire from politics. Conversely, if the allegations are not proven true, he demanded that MLA Sudip Roy Barman retire from politics.
In a press conference, Minister Debbarma refuted all allegations, stating his extensive experience in contracting work spanning nearly 25 years before entering politics. He highlighted his ownership of significant property and mentioned that all his family members are employed in government jobs. He also clarified that he owned two houses in Agartala before becoming a minister and that his family had historically owned nearly 200 kanis of land.
Minister Debbarma further denied owning any petrol pumps in Teliamura and Khowai Behalabari, countering MLA Barman’s claims. He expressed disappointment over what he perceived as an attempt to ruin his political career, attributing it to prejudices against his tribal background. He criticized the Congress party, alleging that it has never supported the development of tribals, which he believes is why the people of Tripura have moved away from the party.
The minister reiterated his ultimatum to MLA Sudip Roy Barman, emphasizing the serious consequences if the allegations are not substantiated.
