AGARTALA, June 10 (TIWN): ‘Don’t Spread Fake News on Liquor Licenses’, Tripura Education Minister Ratanlal Nath on Wednesday has told state media, after local media brought allegation against Chief Minister Biplab Deb for benefiting his relatives with double licenses. Minister Ratanlal Nath said that the tenders and distribution all happened as per law and transparency, recorded in E-Tendering process. At the same time, Ratanlal Nath also said that the previous Left Govt had kept a debt of Rs 13000 crores for the BJP Govt and now the deficit has to makeup and the revenue from Liquor industry likely to help as additional support to the Govt. In a press conference at the BJP State Headquarter, Education Minister Ratanlal Nath said that in total only 31 new licenses were issued under the incumbent BJP Govt and no violation of policy was done. Everything was transparent. There was no personal recommendation to anyone, rather the Govt has all valid documents to show.

MP Pratima Bhowmik, BJP leader Dr Ashok Sinha also remained present during the press meet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVTfBJI3-xI&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2vwTngBFJcwV_RLeMrk1mWu-kQXbQ6gy8u9kMldOBCeUGmRYa0YG84xOY '2 Licenses can be given to 1 person for liquor business', explains Law Minister Ratanlal Nath. TIWN YouTube Video June 10, 2020

The press meet was necessitated as there was massive controversy going on centering, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb’s relative go double license in liquor deals.

He further suggested media to do constructive criticism but not to malign Govt’s image.

“A total Transparent E-Tendering was done and the highest bidder was given the licenses. Also, about passport as document issue, Tripura High Court has upheld Govt’s decision to invite people for tenders. If there was corruption, they can go to the court, but without evidence, such allegations by media are baseless”, Nath told media.