Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on April 7 said the BJP is aiming to work directly for the welfare of indigenous people in tribal council areas, without the involvement of any “middlemen.”
Speaking at a rally in Ampinagar ahead of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, Saha said the BJP government has been continuously focusing on the development of tribal communities. He also claimed that, for the first time, a “nationalist party” is in a strong position to form the council board at Khumulwng.
The Chief Minister also took a swipe at ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP), accusing it of interfering in governance and not delivering enough for indigenous people. He questioned the need for any intermediary, saying the BJP is capable of reaching and serving people directly.
Saha further alleged that TMP has been enjoying the benefits of being part of the BJP-led alliance while acting like an opposition party. He even claimed that the regional party could “disappear” after the elections.
Talking about the poll situation, he said there have been reports of violence from different areas since the elections were announced. He alleged that BJP leaders and workers were targeted, but maintained that such incidents would not stop the party from forming the council.
Referring to comments made by TMP founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, Saha said the criticism against him is a result of exposing what he described as the “deceptive politics” of the regional leadership.
The elections for the 28-member TTAADC are scheduled for April 12, while counting of votes will take place on April 17.