Agartala, Sept 14: Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma has given a strong response to accusations made by Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, vowing to quit from politics if corruption charges against him are substantiated within 48 hours.
In a press conference held on Saturday, Debbarma expressed deep frustration over the claims and emphasized his financial success before entering politics. 
The minister in teary eyes hinted at possible legal action for defamation, stating, "I was a successful businessman and a crorepati long before joining politics. My decision to enter this field was solely for the welfare of my Janajati people, who were neglected under the previous government."
The allegations against Debbarma surfaced during the recent Tripura Legislative Assembly session, where Roy Barman accused the minister of siphoning off tribal welfare funds and amassing significant wealth in a short span of time. One of the most severe claims involved Debbarma allegedly using government resources to construct a boundary wall around his private property.
Further accusations by Roy Barman suggested that Debbarma’s family had profited from questionable financial activities, including the establishment of petrol pump in the names of his wife and son. Additionally, the Congress MLA raised concerns about Debbarma's acquisition of multiple high-value properties in Tripura and Delhi, questioning the rapid expansion of his wealth since joining the cabinet in 2018 and particularly after becoming a minister in 2023.
During his address, Debbarma categorically rejected these accusations, calling them politically motivated. He questioned the legitimacy of restricting his family from engaging in business activities or purchasing property, and challenged the Congress MLA to present concrete evidence.