AGARTALA, May 26 (TIWN): ‘Who should be more powerful in democracy-- the bureaucrats who are trained to run the administration or the politicians who represent the public. A debate that has continued for long, although in most states in India, politicians shadow the bureaucratic power, and the officers are often subjected to work under heavy pressure from the so-called public representatives, who are generally biased politically, and often their perspectives fail to bring neutrality to the table. However, Congress Sudip Roy Barman has objected to more power to bureaucrats, calling it an officer-raj under a weak administration in Tripura led by weak chief minister Dr. Manik Saha.

The remark came from Barman after Tipra Motha party leader Pradyot Debbarman alleged that he could not meet Gomati District Magistrate Tarit Chakma after Debbarman visited the DM’s residence at night.

“The DM said he can’t meet Pradyot Debbarman at his home and he would only meet him in his office, whereas Pradyot Debbarman was trying to meet the DM for a long time but did not get any appointment,” said Barman.

“DM is a public servant. Pradyot Debbarman is a public representative and a mass-leader. Such behavior from an officer is unexpected towards him. This is nothing but an example of how a weak chief minister is unable to implement a proper administrative functionary,” said Barman.

“Even Ministers are facing tough times because of this officer-raj. Officers are doing anything they want to do. The only person whom the officers listen to is the CM. So, it’s a kind of one-man rule too, which is going on in Tripura,” added Barman.PM Modi 

It can be mentioned here that Tarit Chakma recently received an award from Prime Minister Modi for excellent developments in the Gomati District.