AIDWA state conference elects Brinda Debbarma as president, Swapna Dutta as new general secretary

The two-day 21st State Conference of the All-India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) concluded at the Agartala Town Hall on Sunday with the election of a new state leadership and strong criticism of the state government over the growing drug menace in Tripura.

The conference unanimously elected Brinda Debbarma of Jampuijala as the new State President and Swapna Dutta of Dukli subdivision as the new State General Secretary. An 85-member State Committee was also constituted, comprising 23 Secretariat members and three patrons—Rama Das, Chhaya Bal, and Rupa Ganguly.

Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the conference, CPI(M) Politburo member and All India General Secretary of AIDWA, Mariam Dhawale, said that 29 state representatives and Central Committee members from Tripura will attend the All India Conference scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from January 25 to 28.

Earlier, while inaugurating the two-day conference, CPI(M) State Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury alleged that the drug trade in Tripura has spiralled out of control, operating openly under the nose of the administration while the government remains a silent spectator.

Launching a scathing attack on the ruling BJP, Chaudhury described it as a “shameless and irresponsible government.” He claimed that while earlier only two to four bottles of contraband were seized, under the present regime wagon-loads of narcotics are entering the state. He accused the government of deliberately allowing the drug trade to flourish, thereby destroying the youth.

Chaudhury further alleged that the state is suffering from unemployment, lack of discipline, and absence of the rule of law, which is pushing unemployed youth towards addiction. “The government could stop this trade if it wanted to, but it has no willpower,” he said.

The Opposition leader also claimed that more than half of those arrested in drug-related cases have close links with senior BJP leaders, stating that many of the accused have photographs with top leaders including Rajib Bhattacharjee, Sunil Deodhar, and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb.

“Why is this happening? The government must explain these connections,” he demanded.

He further alleged that while small-time peddlers are being arrested, the big players in the drug trade are being protected, and called for an impartial, high-level investigation into the issue.

Issuing a stern warning, Chaudhury said that unless the government immediately launches a strong anti-drug campaign, the Opposition would be compelled to initiate a larger movement.