Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha in a scathing attack on the CPI-M and Congress over their many years of “misrule” in Tripura said people will reject both parties in the approaching Lok Sabha election. On the other hand, immense public support in rally indicates BJP’s win in the upcoming electoral event.
Addressing an election rally at Khowai District’s Chakmaghat in support of BJP candidate Kriti Singh Debbarma, the CM highlighted the significant problems faced by the people due to misrule of the CPI(M) and Congress.
The Left Front led by the Communist Party of India-Marxist or CPI-M had ruled the Northeastern State between 1978 and 1988 and again from 1993 to 2018. In between, the Congress was in power for five years.
“Since the BJP came to power in Tripura (in 2018), the communists are losing their ground and grabbed the hand of the Congress, another party whose misrule affected the people,” mentioned CM Manik.
Attacking the Left party, he stated, “We may not be there but it is for sure that they (CPI-M) will find a place in museums and the people will have to visit museums to know about them.”
“There was a time when we were uncertain whether we could break free from CPI-M rule or not. However, when PM Narendra Modi came into power, we believed that our country would move in the right direction. Under the leadership of PM Modi and then BJP national president Amit Shah, the CPI-M was ousted from Tripura in 2018. Over the last six years, we have worked to establish peace in this State.
Previously, politics was synonymous with unrest. Congress governed the State for five years, but their governance resembled that of the CPI-M. It became evident to us that they were incapable of bringing about any meaningful change,” observed CM Manik.
He attributed people’s growing trust in BJP to absence of violence incidents during the 2023 Assembly elections. “PM Modi has set a target of 370 seats as we have prioritised the welfare and development of the country. Together with the NDA, we aim to surpass 400 seats. The overwhelming support witnessed during the nomination filing of candidates indicates victory for all BJP candidates in Tripura. Many lives were lost in Tripura during CPI-M rule.
Through scientific rigging, they managed to hold onto power. However, we have demonstrated what a fair election looks like. Our government is dedicated to the comprehensive development of Tripura, with empowering women being a top priority. To that end, we have introduced numerous schemes. The CPI-M has never championed development and has failed to work for the welfare of the people,” mentioned the CM.
Besides, he hit out at the INDIA bloc for criticising the Tipra Motha for forging ties with the BJP-led alliance before the Lok Sabha elections.
“The Congress and CPI-M had tried to rope in Tipra Motha ahead of the elections but they failed. I used to talk to Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma and exhorted him not to fall into the trap of the Opposition and finally, he chose the right path,” remarked CM Manik.
The tribal-based Tipra Motha clinched 13 seats in the 60-member Assembly in last year’s polls and became the main Opposition party. It, however, joined the Manik Saha Government last month and two of its MLAs became ministers.
Laying emphasis on unity between tribals and non-tribals, CM Manik requested the BJP’s two allies – Tipra Motha and IPFT – to continue with the electoral understanding with the saffron camp for the next 50 years to make Tripura a developed State.
The elections are scheduled to be held in two phases in Tripura. The West Tripura seat will go to the polls on April 19, while the East Tripura seat will witness voting on April 26. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.
