Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha warns TIPRA Motha against blackmail politics, reaffirms BJP’s right to work in TTAADC areas, recalls extremist violence, and outlines the vision of a united “New Tripura” focused on peace, democracy and development.
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday delivered a sharp political message, asserting that “blackmail and threat-based politics will not work anymore,” as he openly criticised TIPRA Motha, an alliance partner of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state. Speaking at a public gathering in Baijalbari under Khowai subdivision, the Chief Minister abandoned indirect references and addressed the issue head-on, signalling growing strain within the ruling alliance.
Dr. Saha accused TIPRA Motha of repeatedly resorting to aggressive political tactics, including agitations and confrontational statements, despite being part of the state government. His remarks came amid recent claims by TIPRA Motha leaders that the BJP would not be allowed to hold political programmes within the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
“No one can stop the BJP from organising programmes or working for the welfare of Janajati communities in Janajati areas,” the Chief Minister declared firmly. He said attempts had been made to prevent the programme organised for Janajati women at the same venue, but such obstruction would not deter the ruling party from carrying out its activities.
Emphasising the BJP’s leadership and organisational strength, Dr. Saha stated that the party draws guidance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP National President J.P. Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “We want dialogue and peace, not unrest. If law and order is challenged, the government will act strictly within the framework of law,” he said.
The Chief Minister underlined that the BJP does not believe in disorderly conduct or political intimidation. Without naming parties explicitly, he remarked that while others might indulge in provocative statements and aggressive behaviour, the BJP’s political culture is rooted in discipline, democratic norms and constitutional values.
Drawing a parallel with national security challenges, Dr. Saha referred to what he described as past attempts by Pakistan to use nuclear threats as a tool of blackmail. He likened this to political intimidation tactics within the state, where fear narratives are allegedly created to pressure the ruling party. He also recalled that the BJP’s rise to power in Tripura in 2018 was driven by public mandate, not coercion.
The Chief Minister pointed out that after the BJP came to power, many long-standing demands raised by TIPRA Motha leaders were addressed, leading to their eventual participation in the government. However, he expressed concern that protests and agitations did not stop and instead evolved under changing slogans.
“First it was Tipraland, then Greater Tipraland, and now One Northeast. Anyone is free to raise demands, but they must be pursued through democratic and constitutional processes,” he said. Violence, pressure tactics and attempts to destabilise governance would not be tolerated under any circumstances, he added.
Dr. Saha reiterated that Prime Minister Modi has consistently directed governments to prioritise development of women, youth, farmers and the economically weaker sections. He said the Tripura government is aligned with that vision and has been implementing welfare-oriented policies across the state.
Referring to political criticism from alliance legislators, the Chief Minister noted that some leaders who had earlier praised his leadership were now resorting to personal attacks. “We want to work together to build a new Tripura, but alliance partners must respect alliance norms,” he said.
He questioned statements suggesting that BJP activities would be restricted in TTAADC areas, calling such remarks unacceptable. “We are here to serve the people and will continue to do so. Over the last few years, our government has allocated ₹126 crore for development works in the Ramchandraghat Assembly constituency alone,” Dr. Saha said, adding that people would eventually judge performance and intentions.
The Chief Minister also recalled that the BJP formed the government in Tripura with the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) in 2018 and returned to power again in 2023, reinforcing its political legitimacy through electoral victories.
Addressing the long-standing and sensitive issue of the Kokborok language script, Dr. Saha said multiple committees over the decades had examined the matter without arriving at a consensus. He cited committees formed in 1990, during the early 2000s and under the previous Left Front government, noting that none had conclusively recommended a single script.
He questioned why certain voices remained silent during earlier regimes but were now aggressively pushing for a specific script. According to the Chief Minister, attempts were being made to impose the Roman script forcefully, which he claimed could harm Janajati cultural heritage rather than preserve it.
Dr. Saha alleged that provocation and misinformation were being used as political tools to create confusion among communities. While he hinted at the involvement of certain “institutions” in instigating unrest on the issue, he refrained from naming them.
In a deeply emotional segment of his speech, the Chief Minister revisited Tripura’s turbulent past marked by extremist violence. He spoke about brutal attacks carried out by insurgent groups such as ATTF and NLFT, including massacres of innocent civilians and targeted killings of security personnel.
Dr. Saha recalled the August 14, 2003 incidents at Kamalnagar and Baralunga, where 30 villagers were killed in coordinated attacks. He described how homes were set ablaze and civilians, including women, children and elderly persons, were murdered. He also listed attacks on security forces including the Tripura State Rifles, police, CRPF, Assam Rifles, BSF and the Army.
He expressed concern that many perpetrators of such crimes never faced justice and indicated that the government would explore legal avenues to ensure accountability and justice for victims’ families.
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Concluding his address, the Chief Minister emphasised unity and shared identity. He urged all residents of the state—tribal, non-tribal, Manipuri or from any other community—to identify themselves first as citizens of Tripura.
He introduced the idea of “New Tripura,” a development-oriented vision rooted in peaceful coexistence, inclusive growth and collective progress, aligned with the Prime Minister’s national vision of unity and cultural harmony.
Several senior BJP leaders, including state president Rajib Bhattacharya, Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, and party office bearers, were present at the event.
