Agartala, January 30
Sharpening the BJP’s political pitch ahead of the crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Thursday categorically reiterated that the party’s goal is to win all 28 seats of the council, asserting that decades of rule by regional parties have deprived the indigenous population of real development.
Making his intentions clear, the Chief Minister said meaningful and sustainable development in the autonomous district council areas is possible only when a national party comes to power, and not under regional outfits that have dominated the council for years.
“At present, the TTAADC is being run by a regional party. But the Janajati people have not witnessed the level of development they deserve. We believe only a national party like the BJP can ensure comprehensive development in the district council areas,” Dr. Saha said while speaking to reporters.
The statement assumes political significance as the TIPRA Motha Party — BJP’s alliance partner in the state Assembly — currently holds power in the TTAADC, highlighting visible strain and competing ambitions within the ruling alliance as the council elections draw closer.
Dr. Saha made it clear that although the BJP and TIPRA Motha are partners in the Assembly, no decision has yet been taken on contesting the district council polls together.
“Our alliance in the Assembly does not automatically apply to the District Council. There has been no decision yet on an alliance for the TTAADC elections. Our clear and primary aim is to win all 28 seats,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister said an organisational meeting was held to fine-tune the party’s election strategy, with emphasis on strengthening the BJP structure down to the booth level.
“Directions were given on how to work on the ground, which areas need more focus and how to assess the organisational position up to the booth level. The meeting was held under the leadership of state BJP president Rajib Bhattacharya,” he said.
Launching a sharp attack on regional parties, Dr. Saha alleged that prolonged regional rule in the autonomous council has stalled growth and denied Janajati communities the benefits of mainstream development.
“Regional parties have been in power for a long time in the district council. Despite that, the indigenous people have not seen large-scale development. If a national party forms the council government, the Janajati people will witness a new wave of progress,” he said.
Claiming growing support among tribal communities, the Chief Minister said people from Tripura’s 19 Janajati communities and several sub-tribes now understand that the BJP is the only party that works for the people, the state and the nation.
He also accused opposition parties of deliberately distorting facts to mislead voters.
“Whenever we speak the truth, the opposition twists it and presents false narratives to confuse the people. This is their politics. We are confident and on the right path — the results will speak for themselves,” Dr. Saha said.
With the TTAADC elections approaching, the Chief Minister’s strong assertion of a 28-seat target signals an aggressive BJP campaign ahead, setting the stage for a high-stakes political battle in Tripura’s tribal heartland — even as its present Assembly ally continues to rule the district council.
