CPM top brass launches scathing attack on BJP govt of Tripura

Agartala, Jan 11, 2025, By Our Correspondent68

The CPI(M) Politburo member and former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar launched a sharp critique of the BJP-led coalition government in Tripura on Saturday, accusing it of fostering growing unemployment and misrule. Addressing a gathering at the Agartala Circuit House area during a rally organized by the Gana Mukti Parishad, Tribal Students’ Union, and Tripura Youth Federation, Sarkar claimed that the state's youth and citizens are preparing to oust the BJP from power.

Sarkar lambasted the government for failing to deliver on its pre-2018 election promises, including filling 50,000 vacant posts and generating seven lakh jobs. He alleged that the BJP's tenure has instead seen a reduction of 56,000 government employees between March 2018 and March 2024. He criticized the BJP for its unfulfilled promise of a minimum wage of ₹300, stating that the current average wage is only ₹240, with just 32 days of work annually under REGA. “This is far from the change they promised,” Sarkar asserted, urging people not to fall for what he termed "hollow words."

Sarkar also attacked TIPRA Motha, accusing it of betraying its anti-BJP stance by joining the cabinet and contributing to the erosion of the CPI(M)’s vote share. He alleged that TIPRA Motha's governance in the ADC areas has led to a “kingdom of loot,” with delayed salaries for government employees, a teacher shortage in schools and colleges, and widespread hardships.

CPI(M) state secretary and Leader of Opposition Jitendra Choudhury also addressed the gathering, criticizing the Modi-led central government for shrinking employment opportunities in both public and private sectors. He highlighted that 44 lakh posts remain vacant nationwide, with 14 lakh becoming defunct due to non-recruitment. Choudhury called for implementing job reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the private sector and filling vacant government posts promptly.

Choudhury further demanded the immediate conduct of the long-delayed village council elections in the TTAADC, accusing the administration of using false pretexts to stall the process for four years. He emphasized that these elections are crucial for ensuring representation and addressing local issues.