Agartala, January 29: Hitting back at the CPIM’s allegations against the BJP during a public meeting in Agartala, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday evening said that Communist leaders are unable to recognize the state’s progress as they are “suffering from cataract” and need surgery to see the development.
“Has he (Prakash Karat) not noticed the transformation of the airport, which we named after Maharaja Bir Bikram, whom they always dishonored? Has he not seen the upgraded airport road he traveled through?” Saha questioned, accusing CPIM leaders of misleading the public.
Responding to CPIM politburo member Karat’s claim of an economic slowdown, unemployment and rampant corruption, Saha asserted that the Communist leadership is stuck in the past. “They are 50 years behind. India’s economy, which was once at the 11th position, is now the fifth largest in the world,” he said.
On concerns raised by the CPIM regarding the protection of the Constitution under the Modi government, Saha countered that it was the CPIM, during the Congress-led UPA regime, that repeatedly disrespected the Constitution.
“The Narendra Modi government has safeguarded the Constitution by abrogating Article 370 and Article 35A,” he added.
Taking a dig at the Left’s declining influence, Saha recalled CPIM’s electoral downfall in West Bengal. “Due to their misrule, they are now receiving fewer votes than NOTA in Bengal. The people are rejecting them,” he remarked.
Saha made these comments while speaking to reporters at the inauguration of the 37th Industries and Commerce Fair at International Fair Ground, Hapania.
