Agartala, October 21: The Tripura Youth Congress organized a massive protest rally in Agartala on Monday, accusing the state government of failing to fulfill its promises, particularly those related to providing employment.
The rally, titled “Nesha Noi, Chakri Dao” (Not Drugs, Give Jobs), drew attention to what the Youth Congress described as the BJP-led government’s “failure to deliver on its promises” and its alleged role in worsening unemployment and drug addiction in the state.
The protest, which began at Congress Bhavan, saw large number of Youth Congress supporters marching through the streets of Agartala. Holding banners and chanting slogans, the demonstrators condemned the state government for increasing violence, rising unemployment, and an escalating drug addiction crisis, especially among the state’s youth.
Speaking to reporters, Youth Congress state president Neel Kamal Saha criticized the government for its failure to fill vacant posts in various departments, which he claimed number in the thousands.
He further accused the administration of allowing outsiders with fake Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC) to take jobs meant for locals, worsening the job crisis for Tripura’s youth.
“Before coming to power, the BJP-led government promised to provide 50,000 jobs annually. However, not only did they fail to keep this promise, but they have also pushed frustrated and unemployed youths towards drug addiction,” Saha claimed, further accusing the ruling party of complicity in the drug trade.
Saha also criticized the state’s Vidyajyoti scheme, alleging it has effectively ended free education in Tripura, leading many poor students to drop out of school due to unaffordable costs.
“Those who do manage to complete their education are left jobless, even as the government refuses to fill vacant posts,” he added.
The Youth Congress leader further accused the state government of deliberately keeping youth unemployed as part of a conspiracy to frustrate them and drive them toward drugs.
“Unemployment and drug addiction are the two most pressing concerns for the youth of Tripura today. BJP leaders are involved in this drug network, yet the Chief Minister remains silent,” Saha charged.
Saha did not stop at unemployment and drugs, highlighting a range of issues facing the state. “Even in broad daylight, murders occur in front of security personnel. Communal violence and kidnapping is on the rise, and the state government under Chief Minister Manik Saha has failed to address any of these issues. He should resign, taking responsibility for this failure,” Saha demanded.
The protest rally culminated in front of the Directorate of Employment Services and Manpower Planning, where demonstrators raised slogans demanding jobs for the state’s youth.
The Youth Congress vowed to continue its fight against unemployment, drug addiction, and the “failed policies” of the current government.
The rally is seen as part of a broader political campaign by the Congress party to put pressure on the ruling BJP government ahead of upcoming Village Council elections, with youth-related issues such as unemployment and education emerging as central concerns.