Tripura CM Dr Manik Saha criticized Trinamool Congress, saying the party has no real presence in Tripura and should focus on Bengal’s governance instead of failed expansion attempts. He dismissed reports of major damage to TMC’s Agartala office.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Wednesday took a sharp dig at the Trinamool Congress (TMC), saying the Bengal-based party continues to make futile attempts to establish its base in Tripura despite having no real presence or organisational strength in the state.
Reacting to the recent visit of a delegation of Trinamool leaders to Tripura, Dr Saha said the party’s repeated political ventures in the northeastern state have failed to make any impact over the years. “Trinamool Congress has no organisational presence in Tripura. Only a signboard exists in its name. In every election, they try to make some noise, but all their previous attempts have ended in failure,” the Chief Minister told reporters.
He added, “I hope God blesses the Trinamool leadership with wisdom so that they focus on public welfare instead of wasting energy on fruitless political adventures here.”
Dr Saha’s remarks came amid renewed efforts by the Trinamool Congress to revive its organisational activities in Tripura. A team of party leaders from West Bengal recently visited Agartala and held meetings with local functionaries in an apparent attempt to rebuild the party structure ahead of future elections.
No major damage to TMC office, says CM
Responding to media reports about an alleged attack on the Trinamool Congress state headquarters in Agartala, the Chief Minister dismissed the claims of large-scale vandalism. “No major damage was caused to their office. Some angry people had gathered near the premises, but police acted swiftly and dispersed them before the situation could escalate,” he clarified.
The Chief Minister reiterated that law and order are under control in Tripura and that his government is committed to ensuring the safety of all political parties operating in the state. “We believe in democracy and constructive political engagement. Everyone has the right to express their opinion and conduct political activities peacefully,” Dr Saha said.
‘Resentment over TMC-sponsored violence in North Bengal’
Dr Saha further alleged that widespread public resentment was growing against the Trinamool Congress following the recent incidents of violence in North Bengal, where BJP leaders were reportedly attacked while distributing relief materials among flood-affected people.
“Our MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Shankar Ghosh were attacked while distributing relief among the flood-hit people in North Bengal. Shockingly, a particular section was mobilised for the attack,” he alleged.
He said that such incidents reflected the political intolerance prevailing under the Trinamool regime in West Bengal. “People across political lines are disappointed with this kind of behaviour. Violence and intimidation cannot be the way to do politics,” the Chief Minister remarked.
‘Focus on Bengal’s development’
Advising the Trinamool Congress to focus on governance in its home state, Dr Saha said the Bengal government’s performance has failed to inspire confidence among its people. “We haven’t heard of any significant achievements from the Bengal government in a long time. My advice to them is to concentrate on Bengal’s development and governance rather than chasing imaginary prospects in Tripura,” he said.
The Chief Minister also instructed local authorities not to create any obstruction for Trinamool leaders visiting the state. “I have asked everyone not to cause any inconvenience to their visit. Let them come and do their political work freely. We have nothing to fear from them,” he stated.
Political Context
The Trinamool Congress, led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had earlier tried to expand its political footprint in Tripura ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. Despite high-profile visits by senior TMC leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee, the party failed to make any significant electoral impact in the state.
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The BJP, under the leadership of Dr Manik Saha, continues to hold a dominant position in Tripura politics. With successive victories in both Assembly and civic body elections, the saffron party has solidified its base, leaving little space for other regional or national players to grow.
Dr Saha’s comments signal confidence in the BJP’s political position and serve as a reminder to rival parties that the ruling dispensation remains firmly in control of the state’s political landscape.