Agartala — Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the CPI(M), alleging that during its long rule the party reduced the state’s indigenous communities to a mere “ballot box.” In contrast, he said, the Bharatiya Janata Party is a party that genuinely works for the people.
Dr. Saha made the remarks while addressing a large gathering at the Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan premises, where he formally welcomed 5,050 voters from 1,706 families into the BJP fold.
“The communists always began their Assembly election count from 20 because they believed those seats were guaranteed through their exploitation of the janajatis,” he said. “But now they are afraid. We have learned from them—when BJP forms government again, we will also start counting from 20. We have the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President JP Nadda.”
He alleged that opposition-backed intimidation continues, saying markets close and threats surface whenever he or the BJP state president attends meetings. “But this won’t continue. The more attacks we face, the stronger the BJP becomes. We follow the path shown by Prime Minister Modi. Just as he envisioned New India during Operation Sindoor, we will build a New Tripura,” Dr. Saha asserted.
Reiterating that the BJP is “not a party of goons,” he said it is a party committed to development and respect for all communities. Highlighting the concept of ‘Thansa’—which he described as unity among jati, janajati, Manipuri and minority groups—he said this unity will drive Tripura’s transformation.
Dr. Saha emphasized that only a BJP-led double-engine government has worked sincerely for indigenous development. “Those joining today have made the right decision at the right time,” he stated, expressing confidence of a massive BJP show of strength ahead of the TTAADC elections.
The event was attended by senior party leaders including State BJP President Rajib Bhattacharya, Ministers Santana Chakma, Sushanta Chowdhury, Tinku Roy, Sudhangshu Das, Bikas Debbarma, and other key office bearers.
