A fresh political storm has gripped Tripura following claims by Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, who alleged that Gomati District Magistrate (DM) Tarit Kanti Chakma refused to meet him despite several efforts. 

The incident has triggered sharp political reactions, with opposition parties slamming the bureaucrat, even as sections of the public on social media have come out strongly in his support.

On Sunday evening, Pradyot alleged that DM Chakma declined to meet him when he visited the latter’s residence to discuss administrative matters related to Gomati district.

“I’ve been trying to connect with the Gomati DM for over a month, but he never took my calls. I went to meet him at his residence for important work, but he refused. What more can I do?” Pradyot said.

The allegation drew swift condemnation from opposition leaders. CPI(M) veteran and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury criticised Chakma’s conduct, claiming both Pradyot and the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) had made several attempts to meet the DM, all of which were allegedly ignored.

“They were compelled to go meet him at an inconvenient hour because he refused to engage during official time. Yet, even then, he turned them away. At the very least, he could have asked them to come later. This reeks of British-era bureaucratic arrogance,” Chaudhury said, recalling his own negative experiences with the officer.

Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman also backed Pradyot, alleging a troubling trend of “officer raj” in the state. “The DM told his security personnel to inform Pradyot that he would not meet at home and only entertain meetings at the office. This kind of attitude from a public servant is unacceptable. District Magistrates are duty-bound to listen to elected representatives, especially on matters of public interest,” Barman said.

However, public sentiment on social media has shown a contrasting view, with many users defending DM Chakma and lauding his integrity and work ethic.
“Power of education. Thanks to IAS,” one Facebook user posted.
Another wrote, “Have known him for years—he is humble, calm, and works tirelessly for the people.”

The controversy comes just weeks after DM Tarit Kanti Chakma was awarded the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2024) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further amplifying the debate around the incident.