Agartala, April 2 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, on Thursday, criticised the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), accusing it of misleading the people with slogans such as “Thansa”, “Greater Tipraland”, and “Puila Jati”.

The tribal-based TMP, led by former royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, is an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Addressing a gathering at Kunjaram Para in Paharpur under the Natunbazar-Malbasa constituency in Gomati district ahead of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, Chief Minister Saha alleged that the TMP is attempting to secure political gains “by exploiting communal sentiments”.

“They (TMP) are misleading people with false promises. If the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) forms the government in the Autonomous District Council this time, there will be real and visible development for the ‘janajati’ (tribal) communities,” the senior BJP leader said.

During the event, the Chief Minister also welcomed around 700 voters from 203 families, who joined the BJP.

Chief Minister Saha remarked that Tipra Motha Party leaders have recently intensified their political activities but lack consistency and clarity in their stance.

“For a long time, they believed that they would continue to control the TTAADC and that everything would happen according to their wishes. But the situation has now changed,” he remarked.

Chief Minister Saha also said that the BJP had previously attempted to work with the regional party TMP.

“We held discussions multiple times, but they (TMP) kept changing their positions. Like the Communists, they also want to dominate and control the TTAADC. Since cooperation was not possible, we (BJP) have decided to contest the elections on our own,” he added.

Expressing confidence in the BJP’s poll prospects, Chief Minister Saha, a former State BJP President, said: “If we secure 28 seats and form the government in the TTAADC, people will witness genuine development in tribal areas. The TMP only creates confusion with misleading narratives.”

He also addressed allegations regarding Village Council (VC) elections (in TTAADC areas).

“They (TMP) claim we (BJP) are obstructing VC elections, but the BJP has always been ready for them,” he asserted.

Highlighting what he described as confusion surrounding the concept of “Thansa”, the Chief Minister said the term is being used ambiguously.

“They are dragging minorities and Bengalis into the issue. At times, they raise the slogan of Greater Tipraland without even clearly defining its boundaries. These statements are meant to confuse people rather than address real issues,” he said.

Chief Minister Saha emphasised the BJP’s development agenda, referring to the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas, Sabka Vishwas”.

“We are committed to building a new Tripura that includes people from all sections of society. People want peace and progress, not unrest,” he added.

He also remarked that the current political environment is rooted in democratic values.

“This is no longer the era of monarchy. That reality must be accepted,” he said.

Referring to financial matters, the Chief Minister claimed that funds allocated for Autonomous District Council development lacked proper utilisation certificates, alleging misuse and mismanagement.

“There is widespread irregularity. You are deceiving the very people you claim to represent under ‘Thansa (tribal Kokborok word meaning unity)’. But people are now becoming aware,” he said.

Drawing a comparison, the Chief Minister said, “Tipra Motha Party resembles the situation of the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, where democratic processes are often disrupted. A similar pattern is emerging here, where common people are being pressured.”

“I urge the young members of the TMP to come forward and join the BJP to contribute to the development of the state,” he added.

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, MLA Ranjit Das, and few candidates of the TTAADC elections.

The 30-member TTAADC, which includes 28 elected representatives and two members nominated by the state government, will go to the polls on April 12.

Since 2021, the Tipra Motha Party, an ally of the ruling BJP, has governed the strategically important TTAADC, which administering nearly two-thirds of Tripura’s 10,491 square km geographical area.

–IANS

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