Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha confirms BJP’s readiness to contest all 28 TTAADC seats independently. He clarifies the Tipra Motha alliance is limited to the state level, emphasizing development as the core poll plank for the upcoming Tripura tribal council elections.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha announced on Friday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fully prepared to contest all 28 seats in the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.
While the BJP and Tipra Motha share power at the state level, Dr. Saha drew a firm line between state-level governance and grassroots council politics. He clarified that the current alliance with the Pradyot Debbarma-led Tipra Motha is strictly limited to the State Legislative Assembly and does not extend to the TTAADC administration.
Strategic Autonomy in the Council
Speaking to the media following a high-level organizational meeting, Dr. Saha emphasized the party’s role as a vigilant opposition within the council.
“The alliance between BJP and Tipra Motha exists exclusively at the state level and in the assembly,” the Chief Minister stated. “In TTAADC, BJP and Tipra Motha are not together. We are currently focusing on our own strength.”
While he did not entirely rule out future negotiations—noting that discussions could happen at a “later stage” if necessary—the current directive to party workers is clear: prepare for a solo battle. This stance marks a strategic shift, as the BJP seeks to consolidate its own footprint in the Sixth Schedule areas where local parties have historically dominated.
Focus on Development and Organization
The strategy meeting, attended by BJP Tripura Pradesh President Rajib Bhattacharjee and General Secretary Bipin Debbarma, focused on micro-level campaigning and rural outreach. Dr. Saha highlighted that the party’s primary poll plank remains “Development.” According to the Chief Minister, the tribal population is increasingly disillusioned with regional parties that have governed the ADC in the past. He pointed toward the “overwhelming response” in recent joining programs as evidence of a shifting tide.
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“People have realized that a national party must form the government in the council to ensure streamlined progress,” Saha remarked, adding that the electorate is actively seeking a change from the status quo.
Countering the Opposition
Addressing recent friction, Dr. Saha slammed opposition parties for allegedly distorting statements made by BJP leaders during field campaigns. Dismissing the rhetoric, he maintained a confident posture regarding the party’s prospects. “The result will speak loud and clear,” he asserted, signaling that the BJP intends to leverage its national resources and development track record to win over the tribal heartland.
