Agartala, Oct 25 : Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Sunday alleged that opposition agitations under the INDIA bloc, Cockroach Janata Party movement and developments involving China in Arunachal Pradesh were part of a broader conspiracy to destabilise India, asserting that such attempts would fail.
Speaking to reporters after listening to the 139th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat at Booth No. 40 under Ward No. 39 in the Town Bordowali constituency here, Saha linked the opposition’s political activities with what he described as an international conspiracy.
“An international conspiracy is underway to destabilise the country. It is not just local opposition leaders who are involved. There is substantial funding behind these activities,” he said.
Referring to developments in Arunachal Pradesh involving China, the chief minister said India was now much stronger militarily than it had been in the past and was prepared to meet any challenge.
“This is not the India of the past, which had .303 rifles. India is now powerful and ready to face any challenge,” he said.
Saha also questioned the unity and political principles of the opposition INDIA bloc, accusing its constituent parties of coming together primarily to oppose the BJP.
“They have no common principle. They come together only against the BJP. Such an alliance will not last,” he said, describing the opposition’s agitation as an attempt to mislead the public.
His remarks came a day after Tripura’s INDIA bloc announced a peaceful protest march in Agartala on October 30, demanding the withdrawal of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and changes to legal provisions that the opposition says undermine the Election Commission’s independence.
CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury and Pradesh Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha announced the programme at the Agartala Press Club on Saturday.
Predicting a BJP victory in the forthcoming urban local body elections, Saha said the ruling party would repeat its previous electoral performance despite efforts by opposition parties to unite.
He alleged that the CJP movement was foreign-funded and accused Rahul Gandhi of aligning with it, dismissing the Congress leader’s remarks as irrelevant. Saha said the facts would soon emerge, adding that people knew such movements would achieve little.
On Prime Minister Modi’s Vocal for Local initiative, the chief minister said the use of Indian-made products had increased and dependence on imported goods had declined, although imports had not stopped entirely.
He also urged people to remain alert to developments surrounding the alleged conspiracy, while asserting that the government remained focused on development and public welfare.
