Agartala: Senior Congress leader Lalji Desai has levelled a serious accusation against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tripura, claiming that its leaders have misappropriated at least Rs 21,000 crore of public funds as commission for government projects during their seven-year rule in the state.
Desai, who heads the Congress’ service wing Sevadal, alleged that no government work in Tripura could be done without paying a 10% commission on the project cost. He claimed that the BJP leaders have collected this commission, amounting to a staggering Rs 21,000 crore, over their seven-year tenure.
The BJP, however, has rejected these allegations, maintaining that the government ensures transparency in all projects. Tripura BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee dismissed Desai’s claims as misinformation, citing the state’s history of misgovernance during the Congress-TUJS rule from 1988 to 1993.
Desai also criticised the BJP for allegedly using money power to win elections and for disrespecting Constitutional values. He urged Congress leaders and workers to fight for the nation’s unity, sovereignty, and integrity, recalling the sacrifices made by Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi.