Tripura Higher Education and Panchayat Minister Kishor Barman has sparked controversy by identifying the news media as one of the obstacles faced by Panchayat representatives in performing their duties. He even suggested that factions within his own party may also be contributing to these challenges.
Mr. Barman made these remarks at the inauguration of a two-day Panchayati Raj Capacity Building Programme at the State Panchayat Resource Centre in A.D Nagar here on Monday. The programme was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and attended by elected representatives from the three-tier Panchayat institutions in the State.
Mr. Barman, who was inducted into Dr. Saha’s Cabinet on July 3, this year, was elected to the State Assembly for the first time in the last Assembly elections. Speaking at the event, the Panchayat Minister criticised the previous CPI(M)-led left front government for allegedly engaging in financial corruption within the Panchayats and depriving ordinary people of the benefits meant for them.
The Minister said, “Please keep in mind that you (Panchayat level representatives) all have enemies. These enemies can come from Opposition parties, our own party (BJP) and even from the news media.”
The Minister urged the elected Panchayat representatives to fulfil their responsibilities for the welfare of the people and reminded them that alongside their regular work, they must also dedicate time to the organisational activities (of BJP).
Published – September 02, 2025 02:08 am IST
