Over 6,400 tribal voters joined the BJP in Tripura as Chief Minister Manik Saha reaffirmed his government’s commitment to all-round tribal development, peace, and democracy, while strongly criticising Tipra Motha for violent unrest ahead of the TTAADC elections.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday reaffirmed the BJP government’s commitment to the holistic socio-economic development of the state’s Janajati (tribal) communities, pledging that his administration would take every necessary step to ensure their upliftment without compromise.
Addressing a massive gathering at Krishnapur in Khowai district, Saha welcomed 6,400 voters, mostly belonging to tribal communities, into the BJP fold. This mass induction marks another significant boost to the party’s growing tribal support base, especially ahead of next year’s crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.
The event followed a series of recent large-scale inductions. Just three days earlier, on October 22, around 690 voters from 200 families — primarily tribals — joined the BJP in Takarjala, Sepahijala district. Over the past two months, several hundred more have followed suit, signaling a steady erosion of support for the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) in its traditional strongholds.
Saha’s Message: Development, Not Division
Reiterating his government’s focus on peace, democracy, and inclusive progress, Saha declared that Tripura’s people believe in development, not violence. “The BJP government will not tolerate the use of muscle power under any circumstances,” he asserted.
In a pointed reference to the Tipra Motha Party, the BJP’s junior ally in the state, Saha said, “If anyone attacks us, we will give a befitting reply through legal means.” His remarks came amid rising tensions following violent incidents allegedly involving Tiprasa Civil Society (TCS) activists during a recent agitation.
“Yesterday, in the name of a peaceful protest, armed activists carried out attacks led by one individual. Their true nature is now visible to everyone,” the Chief Minister remarked, indirectly blaming TMP for the unrest.
‘BJP Represents True Progress’
Welcoming the new entrants, Saha declared: “You have taken the right decision at the right time. Without the BJP, neither the TTAADC nor Tripura or India can progress in the right direction.”
He recalled that during a recent joining event in Takarjala, miscreants wearing TMP masks attacked BJP supporters en route to the venue. Without naming TMP MLA Ranjit Debbarma, he said that the same forces were now trying to disguise their political motives behind civil movements.
“During the 24-hour bandh on Thursday, they attacked our workers, a BDO, an engineer, and even an SDPO with sticks and rods, and then called it a peaceful movement! What kind of peace is that?” he asked rhetorically.
Saha accused the TMP leadership of creating unrest whenever political tides turn against them. “After a few days, they will again talk of peace. But now, their real face has been exposed,” he said.
Warning Against Intimidation in TTAADC Areas
Saha also claimed that TMP leaders had warned people not to allow national parties like the BJP into TTAADC areas. “But no one can stop the BJP. We can go anywhere in the country,” he said firmly.
He warned TMP leaders that their “tricks may work temporarily but won’t last long,” emphasizing that one of the BJP’s core objectives is the comprehensive development of tribal communities.
Honouring Tripura’s Royal Legacy
The Chief Minister drew sharp contrasts between the BJP’s governance and that of previous regimes. He recalled visiting several TTAADC regions during the 2021 district council elections, where BJP offices were vandalised and even photos of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, Tripura’s last king, were desecrated.
“During 35 years of Left rule and five years of Congress rule, no government respected the Maharajas,” Saha said.
He highlighted the BJP’s initiatives to honour Tripura’s royal heritage, including renaming Agartala airport after Maharaja Bir Bikram, installing his statue at Kaman Chowmuhani, and declaring August 19 (his birth anniversary) a state holiday.
Centre’s Focus on Tribal Welfare
Saha credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising tribal welfare nationally. “Since Modi Ji became Prime Minister, unprecedented focus has been given to tribal upliftment,” he said.
He outlined several initiatives taken by the state government to empower tribal communities, including raising the honorarium of Janajati leaders from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000. Special officers have also been appointed at sub-district and district levels to ensure effective implementation of welfare projects.
BJP’s Tribal Front Strengthens Ahead of Elections
The event was attended by key party leaders including BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, BJP General Secretary Bipin Debbarma, former MP Rebati Tripura, district president Binay Debbarma, and TTAADC member Bidyut Debbarma.
With the TTAADC polls drawing closer, Friday’s mass joining is seen as a major morale boost for the ruling party, solidifying its position among tribal voters — a demographic crucial to Tripura’s political landscape.
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By reinforcing its base in tribal-dominated regions and countering allegations from the opposition, the BJP appears determined to project itself as the only party capable of ensuring peace, stability, and inclusive development in Tripura.
