Agartala, December 13
A day after ruling NDA ally Tipra Motha party supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma claimed a massive victory for his party in the forthcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday asserted that the growing participation of indigenous people in the BJP clearly indicates which way the district council results are headed.
Dr Saha said that the indigenous population has reposed strong faith in the BJP due to the development initiatives undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and their aspiration to be part of Viksit Bharat, New India and a united Tripura. “That is why they are joining the BJP in large numbers,” he said.
The Chief Minister was speaking to reporters after a massive joining programme of indigenous people organised by the Janajati Morcha, the tribal wing of the BJP, in Agartala.
The party claimed that around 5,000 voters from various political parties, including Tipra Motha, formally joined the BJP at the event.
Responding to queries about the outcome of the TTAADC elections, scheduled in early 2026, Dr Saha said the large gathering itself reflected public confidence in the BJP.
“Look at the gathering here—indigenous people have complete faith in us because we do not make false promises or cheat anyone. This enthusiasm is a clear indication of the results,” he said.
Without naming any individual or party, the Chief Minister also issued a strong warning against attempts to disturb peace.
“We do not use muscles, guns, sticks or swords. We speak with affection. But if someone takes advantage of our goodwill and tries to create unrest, then, if required, force will be used to maintain peace,” Saha cautioned.
Asked about repeated political challenges thrown by Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, Dr Saha said that he had no objection to political statements in a democratic setup but warned against any use of force.
“Everyone has the right to speak in a democracy. I have no problem with political challenges. But if anyone tries to challenge physically or forcefully, then it becomes a serious legal issue,” he added.
The Chief Minister earlier in his public address also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stating that both leaders are working relentlessly for the welfare and development of indigenous communities, especially those at the last mile.
While acknowledging that all-round development of indigenous people is still a work in progress, Dr Saha expressed confidence that the BJP’s efforts have earned the trust of tribal communities.
He claimed that the BJP would win all 28 seats in the upcoming TTAADC elections and also sweep all 20 Scheduled Tribe-reserved constituencies in the next Assembly polls.
Dr Saha’s remarks came just a day after Pradyot Kishore Debbarma publicly declared that Tipra Motha would secure at least 25 out of the 28 TTAADC seats, setting the stage for an intense political contest between the NDA allies.
Several senior BJP leaders were present at the joining programme, including state BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Industries Minister Santana Chakma, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, Food Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, former MP Rebati Tripura, and BJP general secretary Bipin Debbarma, among others.
