Agartala, April 3:
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday mounted a sharp political offensive against Pradyot Kishore Debbarma and his party TIPRA Motha, accusing it of corruption, intimidation, and misleading indigenous voters, while asserting that the BJP is poised to form the next government in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council.
Addressing an election rally at Gabardi in West Tripura, Saha drew a direct comparison between TIPRA Motha and the Mamata Banerjee led All India Trinamool Congress which is in power in West Bengal, alleging both parties massive corrupt, function through “muscle power, fear tactics, and coercion.”
“The way TMC operates in West Bengal—through intimidation, violence, and coercion—the same methods are being replicated here. TIPRA Motha is nothing but a carbon copy of TMC,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as a “kingdom mindset” among certain leaders, asserting that democratic principles—not monarchy—would determine the future of the ADC.
The Chief Minister accused the regional party of attempting to gain political mileage by invoking “emotional issues,” particularly the demand for Greater Tipraland, which he termed “impractical and legally untenable.”
Escalating his attack, Saha alleged that funds meant for development would be misused if such parties came to power, and questioned their sources of finance.
Striking a stern note, Saha warned that once the BJP “captures” the TTAADC, alleged corruption during the five-year tenure of the TIPRA Motha-led council would be thoroughly investigated.
“Those involved in corruption will not be spared. Just as those indulging in violence are being arrested or are on the run, all culprits will have to face the consequences,” he said adding that Motha though claimed to be a party of indigenous people is now doing appeasement politics of the Bengali Muslims.
Projecting confidence of a strong pro-BJP wave across ADC areas, Saha claimed that indigenous voters have realised that only a national party can ensure development and transparent governance.
He said the BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains committed to corruption-free administration and targeted development in tribal regions.
“This time, history will be created. For the first time, a national party will form the government in the ADC,” he asserted.
During the event, the Chief Minister also welcomed around 600 voters from 200 families, who joined the BJP.
Polling for the TTAADC elections is scheduled for April 12, with political campaigning intensifying across the state.
