Manik Sarkar accuses BJP and Tipra Motha of corruption ahead of TTAADC polls in Tripura, alleging misuse of funds, delayed pensions, and poor governance, while urging voters to support the Left Front for transparent and accountable administration.
Senior CPI(M) leader and former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Monday launched a sharp political attack against both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and regional party Tipra Motha, accusing them of functioning as “corrupt forces” ahead of the crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.
Addressing a public rally at Natunbazar in Tripura’s Gomati district, Sarkar urged voters in tribal areas to support the Left Front, alleging that both BJP and Tipra Motha leaders were engaged in widespread corruption, particularly in the implementation of welfare schemes. He claimed that public funds meant for development and social welfare were being misused by functionaries of both parties.
“Both sides are competing in corrupt practices related to welfare schemes,” Sarkar alleged, intensifying his criticism as the election campaign gains momentum.
Allegations on Governance and Delayed Payments
Focusing on the functioning of the TTAADC under Tipra Motha over the past five years, Sarkar highlighted alleged administrative failures, particularly delays in salary disbursement and pension payments. According to him, employees of the council faced irregular salary payments, while pension benefits for eligible beneficiaries were reportedly withheld for nearly two years.
“It is only after the High Court’s intervention that the pending pension dues are now being cleared,” he said, pointing to what he described as systemic inefficiencies in governance.
Sarkar further alleged that the socio-economic condition in tribal and rural regions had deteriorated significantly under the current administration. He claimed that the lack of employment opportunities and development initiatives had forced many residents to migrate in search of work.
Criticism of State Government
The veteran Left leader also targeted the BJP-led state government, led by Chief Minister Manik Saha, accusing it of neglecting the TTAADC. Sarkar claimed that the Chief Minister had not visited the ADC headquarters to review administrative functioning, raising questions about the state government’s commitment to tribal governance.
He also criticized the Tribal Welfare Department, alleging that it had failed to maintain proper coordination with the ADC administration. “The TTAADC is an integral part of the state and requires consistent administrative attention,” Sarkar said, adding that the BJP had no justification to seek votes in these areas.
Left Front’s Development Claims
Highlighting the achievements of previous Left Front governments, Sarkar stated that key infrastructure projects in TTAADC areas—including roads, markets, schools, and public utilities—were initiated during their tenure. He also referred to rubber plantation initiatives, which he said played a crucial role in boosting the rural economy and providing livelihoods to tribal communities.
Sarkar emphasized the historical significance of the TTAADC, asserting that its formation was rooted in earlier political efforts in which neither BJP nor Tipra Motha had any role. This, he argued, underscored the Left’s longstanding commitment to tribal welfare and autonomy.
Concerns Over Electoral Transparency
Raising concerns about the electoral process, Sarkar alleged that free and fair elections had not been consistently conducted in Tripura in recent years. He stated that feedback from CPI(M) candidates suggested strong public support during campaigning, but warned that the outcome would depend on whether polling conditions remained impartial and transparent.
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As the TTAADC elections approach, political tensions in Tripura continue to escalate, with corruption allegations, governance issues, and questions over electoral fairness dominating the discourse. The coming weeks are expected to witness intensified campaigning as parties vie for influence in the strategically important tribal council.
