Tripura’s Panchayati Raj and Higher Education Minister, Kishor Barman, sparked controversy on Monday after a portion of his speech went viral on social media, where he referred to the media as one of the “enemies” of elected representatives.
Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day capacity-building workshop on Panchayati Raj at the AD Nagar Training Institute, Barman remarked, “When you become a public representative, you come under public scrutiny. Subsequently, you are gifted with enemies. They may be from your own party, the opposition, or even the media.”
Chief Minister Manik Saha and senior government officials were present at the event.
Focus on Accountability and Governance
During his address, the minister highlighted the threefold responsibility of elected representatives—social, political, and administrative—and urged participants to use the workshop to improve governance and strengthen ties with the people.
Barman also stressed the fair distribution of welfare schemes, saying no individual should repeatedly corner government benefits. “The goal should be to ensure that every family in the village has access to welfare schemes,” he added, in an indirect attack on previous governments.
He accused earlier administrations of mismanaging rural development projects, alleging that funds were siphoned off while benefits failed to reach the public. According to him, such practices have ended under the current government.
Message to Panchayat Representatives
Linking political success to grassroots performance, Barman said, “Whichever party is in power, if panchayat representatives perform their duties sincerely and remain close to the people, no one can prevent their victory.” He further reminded attendees that political power is temporary, but honest work earns lasting respect from voters.
The workshop, he said, aims to create a culture of greater accountability and a more people-centric approach to governance.
Media Backlash
While media organizations have yet to issue an official response, many journalists criticized the minister’s remarks. The editor of Tripura Public Now, a local cable TV channel, called the comments “an outcome of the minister’s arrogance.”
The statement has already fueled debate in political and journalistic circles, with many questioning the minister’s choice of words at a public event.