Agartala, April 9 – Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha asserted on Thursday that the defeat of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections is certain, alleging corruption, falsehood, and divisive politics by the regional party in recent times.
Addressing an election rally, Saha expressed confidence that the people of the TTAADC would “create history” on April 12 by ensuring a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which he said is essential for the development of Tiprasa (tribal communities).
Saha accused the TMP of betraying and hurting Janajati (tribal) people in the name of Thansa (a tribal word meaning unity) and engaging in politics by provoking ethnic sentiments. He said, “For the sake of the development of Tiprasa (tribals), the Bharatiya Janata Party must win with a huge mandate.”
The Chief Minister was addressing a rally held at Kalachhara in South Tripura district in support of a BJP-nominated candidate for the April 12 TTAADC elections. He also participated in another rally backing BJP candidate Abhijit Tripura in East Muhuripur Bhuratli constituency.
Speaking at the gathering, Saha said that various forms of politics are being witnessed in the state, and criticised the Leader of the Opposition for allegedly lacking the courage to contest from a reserved tribal seat.
Saha also responded to criticism from the opposition, stating that the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) had accused him of being “politically bankrupt.” Communist Party of India (Marxist) Tripura state Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury is currently the LoP of Tripura.
He said, “You are alleging that someone has encroached on government land in Boxanagar. But three-fourths of your party's office in Amarpur has been constructed on government land. Even though the matter was taken to the High Court, it was dismissed. There were even demands to demolish the office using a bulldozer.”
The Chief Minister further alleged that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Congress have been accusing the BJP of engaging in political ‘understanding’ with the Tipra Motha Party.
“We are being accused of playing ‘got-up’ politics. However, when he was a candidate in the Assembly elections, Tipra Motha did not field a candidate against him. So who is actually playing ‘got-up’? Such confusion is being deliberately spread to mislead people,” he said.
Criticising the Congress, Saha remarked, “There is no point in speaking much about Congress. I will say in a disciplined manner that if there is any disorderly party, it is the Congress. Meanwhile, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working to strengthen the country, while Congress is trying to weaken it.”
Reiterating his criticism of Tipra Motha, the Chief Minister said the party lacks a clear philosophy and is dividing society along ethnic lines.
“Tipra Motha Party is hurting Janajati people by misusing Thansa and misleading the community. In contrast, the BJP is committed to the welfare of all sections of society. We believe in unity and collective progress,” he said.
Referring to PM Modi’s vision, Saha said the government is working with the principle that everyone is a stakeholder in development and progress.
“Our state government is functioning in line with this vision, ensuring inclusive growth and participation from all communities,” he added.
The 30-member TTAADC, comprising 28 elected representatives and two members nominated by the state government, is scheduled to go to the polls on April 12.
Since 2021, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), BJP’s ally, has governed the strategically important council, which administers nearly two-thirds of Tripura’s 10,491 sq km geographical area.