CPI (M) alleges subsidy transfer to beneficiaries during poll period in Tripura, seeks probe

The opposition CPI (M) has raised serious allegations regarding the transfer of subsidy funds to beneficiaries in poll-bound areas of Tripura during the ongoing election period, urging immediate intervention by Election Commission and state election bodies.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Tripura, the State Election Commission (SEC), and the Election Commission of India (ECI),  CPIM state secretary and opposition leader, Jitendra Chaudhury claimed that a large-scale transfer of subsidy money is reportedly underway in the 56-Dharmanagar Assembly constituency and areas under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), where elections are currently in process.

According to the party, the funds are being disbursed under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), a credit-linked subsidy scheme administered by the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The scheme is implemented in Tripura by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), along with the department of Industries and Commerce and the Tripura Khadi Board.

The CPIM alleged that after the announcement of elections, the KVIC state office, District Industries Centres (DICs), and the Tripura Khadi Board approved loans for a large number of beneficiaries, particularly in election-bound areas. It further claimed that the KVIC Central Office in Mumbai is directly transferring subsidy amounts—ranging between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

Although acknowledging the absence of “hard evidence,” Chaudhury in his letter stated that the information gathered from various sources points to a “serious move” that could influence voters during the election period.

Chaudhury argued that such financial disbursements, if proven true, would violate provisions under the Model Code of Conduct, specifically rules prohibiting the sanctioning of grants or payments once elections are announced.

The party has urged the Election Commission to immediately investigate the matter and halt any such transfers if the allegations are found to be true, in order to ensure a free and fair electoral process. CPI (M) also sought a response from the authorities regarding the steps taken in this regard.