Tripura’s Leader of Opposition, Animesh Debbarma, has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, accusing it of politicizing job fairs and raising serious concerns over the lack of transparency in recruitment processes. Speaking to the media in Agartala, Debbarma alleged that the recent job fairs organized by the state government were being used as political tools rather than genuine employment opportunities for the youth.
The opposition leader, who represents the Tipra Motha Party, said that while job creation is a pressing need in Tripura, the BJP government has turned it into a public relations exercise. “The way these job fairs are being advertised and conducted, it is more about building the BJP’s image than actually offering employment,” he remarked.
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Concerns Over Fairness in Recruitment
Debbarma’s primary allegation centers around the lack of transparency in the recruitment process. He pointed out that many of the youths who attended the fairs were not given proper acknowledgement or updates about their application status. Several aspirants have reportedly complained about unclear selection procedures and favoritism.
“There is no centralized or verifiable system to track who applied, who got shortlisted, and on what basis. It’s all happening behind closed doors,” Debbarma said, urging the state government to make the entire process digital and publicly accessible.
He also demanded an independent audit of the recruitment process, warning that if left unchecked, it could lead to mass disillusionment among unemployed youth in the state.
Political Overtones in Job Fairs
According to Debbarma, the BJP government has been using job fairs as a way to boost its political agenda, especially ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He alleged that BJP workers were given preference in selection and that the fairs were being held in areas where the party wanted to gain electoral ground.
“There’s a clear pattern. The fairs are organized in constituencies that the BJP lost or is weak in. They are trying to buy support through jobs, which is completely unethical,” the opposition leader stated.
He also pointed out that many private companies participating in the fairs had no prior connection with Tripura or understanding of local needs. “They’re just there for show, not to recruit meaningfully,” he said.
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State Government’s Response
In response to the criticism, state officials claimed that the job fairs were part of a broader strategy to tackle unemployment and bring more private sector opportunities to Tripura. The Labour and Employment Department stated that over 15,000 youth had registered for the fairs and that multiple companies across sectors were invited to participate.
BJP leaders, too, dismissed Debbarma’s remarks as “baseless and politically motivated,” asserting that the opposition was trying to discredit any initiative that benefits the public. “The fact is, more youths are getting interviewed and placed than ever before. This is what scares the opposition,” said a BJP spokesperson.
Demand for Transparency and Accountability
Despite the state government’s defense, the opposition continues to push for greater accountability and transparency. Debbarma has called for the formation of a multi-party committee to oversee future employment drives and ensure merit-based selection.
He has also urged the state’s educated youth to stay vigilant and raise their voices if they encounter any irregularities. “Employment is a fundamental right, not a political favor,” Debbarma said, emphasizing that job creation should never be used as a political weapon.
The controversy around job fairs in Tripura highlights deeper issues concerning employment, governance, and political accountability in the state. As the debate intensifies, the focus remains on whether the BJP government will take steps to restore public trust and ensure fair recruitment practices, or continue to face criticism for allegedly mixing politics with employment opportunities.
