Agartala, June 22, 2026: Preparations for Tripura’s iconic Kharchi Mela took an unexpected political turn on Monday after a video capturing a heated exchange between BJP MLA Ratan Chakraborty and Biswajit Shil, Acting Sabhadhipati of the West Tripura Zilla Parishad, surfaced on social media, sparking widespread discussion over transparency and financial accountability in the organization of the annual festival.
The incident occurred during an official preparatory meeting held at the conference hall of the West Tripura District Magistrate’s office. During the meeting, Shil raised concerns regarding the utilization of funds for last year’s Kharchi Mela and questioned the absence of a detailed expenditure report. He alleged that several public representatives and members of the district cultural committee had been excluded from important discussions related to the festival’s planning and management.
Shil also sought clarification on revenues generated through the allotment of shop plots and the sale of vendor tokens, claiming that no comprehensive financial statement had been presented before stakeholders. His remarks triggered a sharp response from MLA Ratan Chakraborty, who firmly rejected the allegations and defended the existing management process.
Chakraborty maintained that the Kharchi Mela has traditionally been organized in a transparent and systematic manner. He dismissed allegations of financial irregularities and emphasized that preparations for the festival would continue without disruption. He further highlighted the cultural and social significance of the Kharchi Mela, describing it as a symbol of harmony that unites people from different communities, faiths, and backgrounds.
Despite the disagreement, the meeting successfully finalized key arrangements for the seven-day festival, which will commence on July 22 at the historic Chaturdasha Devata Temple grounds in Khayerpur. Planned measures include improvements in lighting, electricity, drinking water supply, healthcare facilities, traffic and parking management, and the establishment of food courts for visitors.
Government departments will also set up exhibition stalls showcasing welfare schemes and development initiatives, while the Information and Cultural Affairs Department will organize daily cultural programmes featuring artists from across the state.
The viral exchange has intensified calls for greater transparency in festival-related financial management, even as preparations continue for one of Tripura’s largest and most revered religious and cultural events.
