“In the government we cannot discriminate or be partisan while taking decisions or extending the benefits of the government schemes, employments etc. Besides, our guiding idea is ‘Sab ka saath sab ka Vikash’ as envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi”, said Chief Minister of Tripura Biplab Kumar Deb while was giving an interview to a Tv channel.
When asked about reported resentment among a section of BJP workers that many of the government benefits were going to the opposition supporters – the reporter specifically referring to the Tripura State Rifles jobs-Deb came sharp and clear and sought to point out the difference between the government and the political party.
“People of the state reposed faith on us. They have given their trust and bestowed on us their hope for a new future. Its now time to give them back. And there should be no discrimination. All should be treated equally”, he said adding that there would always be some opportunities like every body for the BJP supporters and workers too. “They will also get what they deserve-but certainly not at the cost of the others or those belonged to opposition. The BJP supporters and workers would not be deprived of their dues because they are the ruling party supporters. Similar is the stand for others who belonged to opposition camps”.
While the Chief Minister declined to comment on the dissidents who were reported to be readying for deserting the BJP, said “I do not know how it looks like or how it benefits one who resorts to -in and out-practices. I neither have any knowledge nor experience for that. And such I am not in a position to give any answer”.
In regards to the next assembly elections Deb maintained that the party would go to the people with the works that the state government had done so far.
“People of the state wanted change for a better and prosperous future. So, we came to the power. Now we with the help of central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special interest we brought the change in the state to a great extent- that despite more than two years of devastating Covid pandemic”.
The Chief Minister who took reference to the recent achievements of the healthcare service in the state- successful Open-Heart Surgery and By pass surgery, said all these complex and highly complicated surgeries were done by the doctors, paramedics, nurses and health technicians from the state only, notwithstanding that some experts were also involved in the entire healthcare service mechanism.
“Could anyone believe that Open Heart surgery or By pass surgery would have ever been conducted in a state hospital -that too without any money being spent from the pocket but under the Ayushman schemes? But now, people are getting these benefits and money flow to outside the state is being arrested”, he added.
On the allegations of privatization of the educational systems in the state Deb said, “you cannot wake up someone who pretends to be asleep despite being fully awake”.
He gave the ready reference of increase in the students’ admission after the CBSE pattern was introduced in the schools.
The Chief Minister also had some other ready references to drive his point home- increase of per capita income in the state “withstanding the onslaught of the Covid pandemic on the economy- which itself was a great achievement”.
While referring to the increase in the farmer’s income and extension of PMAY schemes across the state, Deb felt that all these would reflect on the next assembly election results.
“People are fully aware of the development initiatives and as to how they were being benefited by the BJP ruled government of the state. They wanted to be a part of the change and they are now part of the change. And they will remain the same – an active participant of the change for greater future”, said Deb exuding his confidence for the next assembly election results.
