A video from a recent Kharchi Mela preparatory meeting in Tripura has gone viral on social media, showing a heated exchange between BJP MLA Ratan Chakraborty and West Tripura Zilla Parishad Acting Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil. The incident has sparked public debate over the organisation and financial transparency of one of the state’s most important cultural and religious festivals.

The dispute reportedly centres on the allocation and utilisation of funds for the Kharchi Mela, along with questions regarding the submission of expenditure records from the previous year. During the meeting, Biswajit Shil expressed strong dissatisfaction, alleging that the financial statements of last year’s event had not been properly presented before the concerned authorities.

He further claimed that several elected representatives and members of the district cultural committee were not invited to key meetings related to the festival’s planning. Shil also raised concerns about the handling of revenue generated through shop allocations and vendor token systems during the fair, stating that detailed accounts of these collections had not been shared publicly or officially.

These remarks raised broader concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds associated with the annual event. The viral circulation of the meeting video has intensified public discussion on the issue.

In response, MLA Ratan Chakraborty rejected the allegations, stating that the Kharchi Mela has traditionally been organised under established procedures and that preparations would continue as per existing arrangements. He denied any wrongdoing and maintained that there was no deviation from standard practices.

The exchange, though tense, reportedly remained within an orderly framework, with both leaders continuing discussions during the same meeting. The incident has brought internal differences within local political leadership into public view, especially regarding the administration of the festival.

As preparations for the Kharchi Mela move forward, the episode has increased calls from sections of the public for clearer financial disclosure and improved transparency in future arrangements.