Agartala, April 4 – Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday urged people not to be misled by parties spreading "false information" and called upon supporters of rival groups to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while there is still time.
The Chief Minister asserted that people are ready to form a "triple-engine government" in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
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.
While addressing an election rally at the Ganganagar-Gandachhara constituency in Dhalai district, Saha said: "We all have to create a new Tripura with the united efforts of all of us."
He added that people's trust and confidence in PM Modi have increased significantly.
"Wherever I go, people are joining under the flag of the BJP. The rally on Saturday also saw 710 voters from 251 families joining the BJP. I welcome them on behalf of the party. You have made the right decision at the right time," he said.
He further appealed to those associated with the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and other parties, especially the youth, not to get misguided.
"Those who are in TMP or other parties, especially the youth community, should not get misguided. Our double-engine government is moving towards the 2047 goal. Those who spread false information and mislead people do not follow these parties. Come to the BJP while you have time," he said.
Since March 7, 2024, the TMP has been a junior ally of the ruling BJP, and two of its MLAs, Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma, were inducted into the ministry led by Chief Minister Manik Saha.
Saha said the Prime Minister has spoken about building a "New India," adding that the state is working towards creating a "New Tripura."
"For that purpose, we are also talking about New Tripura. We want to create a new Tripura with the joint efforts of all. To build this, development must reach every section, caste, tribe, Manipuri minorities, and infrastructure must improve. Only then can we create a new Tripura and contribute to a developed India," he said.
He claimed that the BJP represents development, while accusing other parties of promoting unrest and violence.
"People want peace; they do not want unrest. So let us stay away from parties that create unrest while we still have time. We want to reach everyone through development," he said.
Highlighting PM Modi's leadership, Saha said that after 2014, the nature of politics in India has changed. He also referred to the Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat programme as a unique way of connecting with citizens.
The Chief Minister criticised opposition parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist), alleging corruption and neglect during their rule.
"In Tripura, during the communists’ 35-year rule, we saw corruption. Our tribal brothers and sisters are simple-minded, yet their development has been ignored. Even now, those in power in the ADC have established corruption," he said.
He added that the BJP is contesting 28 seats in the ADC elections for the first time and aims to secure a decisive mandate.
"In the upcoming ADC elections, people are ready to ensure victory for the BJP in all 28 seats and form a triple-engine government. The ground beneath regional parties is slipping, leaving them in despair," he claimed.
Former MP Rebati Tripura, BJP Janajati Morcha President Parimal Debbarma, and other leaders were present at the rally.