Agartala/UNI: While accusing the BJP-led government in Tripura of being corrupt and anti-people, the State Congress charged the state government on Saturday for cheating the commoners with misleading campaigns rather than institutionalizing the fraud of some dishonest businessmen.

Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee President Ashis Kumar Saha alleged that despite warnings from the Chief Minister, BJP cadres and leaders across the state have been continuing extortion in the name of Durga Puja subscription, which never happened in the state.

“The BJP cadres, led by Yuba Morcha Secretary of Sepahijala district Saikat Saha, brutally beaten up a Muslim cattle trader, Dulal Mia, and his son, Maman, for refusing to pay Durga puja subscription of Rs 5 lakh.

"Both are fighting for life in the hospital, but police haven’t taken any action against the accused yet,” Saha said.

Seeking such a hefty demand for a religious Hindu festival from a Muslim, BJP cadres have attempted to create communal hatred and social disorder during festival season, he observed and added, “It was expected police would take firm action and CM comes out with a statement, but even after three days no action is taken.”

The state government has announced to provide various grocery items like Masoor Dal, sugar, flour, mustard oil, and other items from the Ration Shop at a price of Rs 113 for all the items, and the Chief Minister launched it early this week. But now it is revealed that to buy all these items from the ration shop, every cardholder has to buy a ‘Canvas Bag’ at a cost of Rs 70, he pointed out.

“The canvas bag provided by the Food and Civil Supplies Department is nothing but to promote the BJP party ahead of the Lok Sabha polls at the cost of the hard-earned money of the poor people.

"Similarly, there was an allegation of corruption in the selection of suppliers of the items, and a huge amount of money has been diverted to the BJP’s election fund through this process,” Saha added.

The BJP government in Tripura has failed miserably to fulfill its promises made to the people on employment. Prices of essential commodities have increased unprecedentedly, along with hiked charges for electricity, property tax, and others.

The government is doing nothing towards development but is making holes in the pockets of common men. He alleged that they are misusing MGNREGA work as a political tool and depriving genuine beneficiaries in the name of the party.