Agartala, January 4:With tensions mounting within the ruling NDA alliance ahead of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday issued a strong and unambiguous warning to its ally TIPRA Motha, cautioning it against creating hurdles in the development of the indigenous population and attempting to assert political “guardianship” over the BJP.
Without naming TIPRA Motha directly, Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha launched a sharp political attack while addressing a massive joining programme at Hataikatar, in Khowai district making it clear that the BJP would no longer tolerate any obstruction or misinformation targeting tribal communities.
“Why should the BJP depend on any other party for the welfare of the indigenous people?” Saha asked, asserting that his party is fully capable of addressing tribal aspirations on its own.
He warned that if anyone tries to stop BJP programmes in tribal areas, they would face a stronger counter-reaction, invoking Newton’s Third Law. “The BJP is not just a party of Tripura or India—it is the world’s largest political party,” he said.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come at a politically sensitive time, as 495 voters from 181 families—many from TIPRA Motha and CPI(M)—formally joined the BJP during the programme, signaling visible shifts in tribal political allegiance.
Saha accused certain forces of deliberately creating obstacles whenever BJP launches development programmes in tribal areas, alleging that indigenous people are being stopped and misled.
“This cannot and will not be tolerated. The BJP will directly fulfill all demands of the indigenous population—without depending on anyone else,” he asserted.
Issuing a clear political message, the Chief Minister recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s firm stance, stating, “If they remain good, it is fine. Otherwise, we know how to respond and take whatever steps are required for tribal development.”
In a scathing remark aimed at TIPRA Motha’s leadership, Saha said it was only the BJP that gave real honour and respect to Tripura’s royal family, while others remained silent when the royal family was disrespected during the Left regime.
“We gave them honour and lifted them. Now some are trying to act as guardians over us. That will not be accepted,” he said, adding that such conduct would never be tolerated by the Prime Minister or the Union Home Minister.
Emphasising BJP’s governance approach, Saha said the party believes in respecting everyone and is committed to building a ‘New Tripura’, urging indigenous people not to live in fear.
“Don’t be scared of anyone—jo darr gaya, woh mar gaya,” he said.
The Chief Minister also accused opposition forces of instigating unnecessary agitations among tribal youths, particularly over the Roman script issue in Kokborok.
He cited data from Class X and XII board examinations to claim that very few students opt for the Roman script, indicating a lack of public acceptance.
“This issue is being repeatedly raised only to mislead youths and create unrest,” he said, suggesting that development of a new script could effectively address the matter.
Countering TIPRA Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma’s call for ‘thansa’ (unity), Saha said real unity must include all communities—tribal, non-tribal, Manipuri and others.
“Only inclusive unity can ensure real development,” he said.
Claiming that tribals had long been misled, Saha said faith in the BJP is rapidly growing after witnessing large-scale development under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
“There is no doubt that the BJP will capture the TTAADC in the coming days and once again form the government in Tripura in 2028,” he asserted confidently.
The joining programme was organised by the BJP 16 Mandai Nagar–Pulinpur ADC constituency and was attended by BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Minister Bikash Debbarma, Chief Whip Kalyani Saha Roy, MLA Pinaki Das Chowdhury and several senior party leaders and workers, marking a significant political show of strength ahead of the crucial district council elections scheduled in next few months.
