Tripura Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of ignoring the hardships faced by ordinary citizens amid rising prices, unemployment, and economic stagnation. Addressing a press conference at the Congress Bhavan in Agartala, the veteran leader claimed that the Centre’s policies have only benefited a handful of corporates while farmers, youth, small traders, and daily wage earners continue to suffer.
Roy Barman, a former minister and prominent critic of the BJP government both in the state and at the Centre, said:
“The Prime Minister never listens to the pain of the common people. He is always busy in election rallies and international trips, projecting himself as a global leader while ignoring farmers’ suicides, jobless youth, and daily rising prices of essentials.”
Key Issues Raised by Sudip Roy Barman
During the hour-long interaction with media, the Congress MLA raised several points criticising PM Modi and the BJP-led central government:
- Soaring Prices: He alleged that the prices of LPG cylinders, fuel, edible oils, and pulses have become unaffordable for the poor and middle class.
- Unemployment Crisis: He cited CMIE data showing record youth unemployment levels, calling it a “betrayal of the promise of 2 crore jobs annually.”
- Agrarian Distress: He accused the Centre of failing to implement Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantees for farmers despite earlier protests.
- Privatisation Push: Roy Barman said aggressive privatisation of PSUs like Railways, Airlines, and Insurance was destroying job security and public welfare.
- Weakening Federal Structure: He alleged that the Modi government treats states as subordinates rather than equal partners in India’s federal system.
- Neglect of Tripura: He claimed Tripura has been ignored in national budget allocations and infrastructure investments despite repeated appeals from elected representatives.
Current Economic Indicators Triggering Criticism
Official and independent economic data underline some of the concerns raised:
| Economic Indicator | Current Status | Previous Year | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Inflation (CPI) | 5.2% (June 2025) | 4.3% (June 2024) | +0.9% |
| LPG Cylinder Price (Agartala) | ₹1,218 | ₹1,019 | +₹199 |
| Urban Unemployment Rate | 9.1% | 8.3% | +0.8% |
| Rural Unemployment Rate | 7.4% | 6.5% | +0.9% |
| Diesel Price (Agartala) | ₹96.20/ltr | ₹89.40/ltr | +₹6.80 |
| Farmer Suicide Cases (Tripura) | 134 (2024-25) | 121 (2023-24) | +13 cases |
BJP’s Response to Congress MLA’s Remarks
Reacting to Roy Barman’s allegations, Tripura BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee dismissed them as “politically motivated and baseless.” He stated:
“PM Modi is working tirelessly for inclusive growth. From free ration to health insurance under Ayushman Bharat, his schemes have benefitted crores. The Congress MLA is frustrated as people have rejected his party repeatedly.”
He cited infrastructure projects like the Maitri Bridge, NH-8 expansion, and railway connectivity upgrades as evidence of central support to Tripura.
Congress’ Planned Campaign Against Price Rise and Unemployment
Tripura Congress leaders announced a state-wide campaign titled “Modi Hatao, Mehengai Hatao” (Remove Modi, Remove Inflation) starting July 10. Key features of the campaign:
| Activity | Districts Covered | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Street corner meetings | All 8 districts | July 10-18 |
| Cycle rally protests | West Tripura, Sepahijala, Gomati | July 15-20 |
| Signature campaigns | Statewide | July 10-31 |
| State level dharna | Agartala | July 25 |
| Social media drive | Online platforms | Entire July |
Congress claims the campaign will mobilise unemployed youth, farmers, daily wage workers, and women affected by LPG and food price hikes.
Other Political Leaders Echo Criticism
Roy Barman’s remarks were supported by senior Congress leader and former CM Samir Ranjan Barman, who said:
“People are losing faith in this government as they see only corporate benefits while public sufferings increase daily.”
Left parties too have intensified anti-inflation campaigns. CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chowdhury stated that the BJP’s “double engine model” has failed to reduce poverty or create meaningful employment in Tripura.
PM Modi’s Recent Statements on Economy
Addressing a rally in Varanasi last week, PM Modi said:
“India is the fastest growing major economy today. Our welfare schemes have lifted crores out of poverty. We are working to ensure everyone gets opportunities for growth.”
He listed initiatives such as PM SVANidhi for street vendors, Startup India for entrepreneurs, and Jal Jeevan Mission for rural water supply as evidence of inclusive development.
Analysis of Political Impact in Tripura
Political observers believe such statements by Congress leaders aim to revive their organisational base ahead of local body elections later this year. Key points:
- Congress Revival Strategy: Criticising economic hardship to regain lost voter trust
- BJP’s Rural Outreach: Reliance on welfare schemes and infrastructure projects to counter opposition campaigns
- Left-Congress Dynamics: Possibility of joint anti-BJP protests if economic distress continues
- Youth Discontent: Rising unemployment remains a potential flashpoint, especially in urban Tripura
Recent Welfare Scheme Announcements in Tripura
The Tripura state government recently announced:
| Scheme | Benefit | Target Group | Budget (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tripura Rural Housing Scheme | ₹1 lakh housing grant | BPL families without PMAY coverage | 200 |
| Free Rice for Antyodaya families | 5 kg extra rice | Poorest households | 60 |
| Skill Training Allowance | ₹3,000 per month stipend | Unemployed youth (50,000 beneficiaries) | 180 |
| CM Health Insurance Top-up | Additional ₹2 lakh coverage | Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries | 75 |
However, Congress leaders allege these benefits are not addressing core issues like job creation, price rise, and market revival.
Way Forward
Sudip Roy Barman demanded immediate intervention by the Centre to:
- Roll back recent fuel and LPG price hikes
- Release a special unemployment package for Tripura youth
- Increase MSP rates for key crops like paddy, pulses, and oilseeds
- Ensure 100% implementation of MGNREGA wage payments
- Strengthen public health infrastructure to reduce out-of-pocket expenses
Conclusion
As Tripura Congress intensifies attacks on PM Modi over economic hardship, the political discourse in the state is expected to heat up in coming weeks. Whether these criticisms will translate into electoral gains for the opposition remains to be seen, but they underline the growing concerns of rising prices, joblessness, and economic uncertainty faced by common citizens across the state and country.
Disclaimer: This report is based on statements by political leaders, government data, and public policy analyses. It does not express personal opinions or recommendations.
