Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday accused the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), led by the BJP ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP), of failing to deliver all-around development despite receiving substantial funds from the state government.
Saha’s remarks came two days after he appealed to voters to support the BJP in the upcoming TTAADC elections, scheduled for March, citing peace and development as key reasons for backing the ruling party. The TTAADC area covers two-thirds of the state’s territory.
Speaking at a party event in Chawmanu, Dhalai district, Saha highlighted the BJP-led government’s fiscal efforts, revealing a Rs 27,000 crore budget for 2024-25 aimed at boosting development in the state. He pointed out that after accounting for non-plan expenditures like salaries, pensions, and loan interests, the state was left with Rs 17,000 crore. Out of this amount, 39.60% was allocated to the TTAADC to facilitate the running of the tribal council.
However, the CM criticized the TTAADC’s leadership for not utilizing these funds effectively, questioning where the money was going. “Despite the funds, the tribal council still lacks development. They claim they aren’t receiving funds, but the financial statement tells a different story,” Saha said.
He reiterated that only the BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, could guarantee development for the indigenous people. He also cited Rs 1400 crore in loans from the World Bank and two other externally funded projects aimed at improving infrastructure and livelihoods in tribal areas.
Saha also criticized the TMP for its aggressive tactics, including road blockades and violence against BJP workers. He stressed the need for better cooperation between political allies, saying, “A younger brother should behave respectfully toward the elder brother.”
Regarding TMP’s demand for introducing the Roman script for Kokborok, Saha firmly opposed the idea, suggesting instead the development of an indigenous script for the language used by 19 tribes in the state.
ALSO READ: Tripura CM lays foundation for Heritage Village, Amusement Park in Jirania
With the TTAADC elections approaching, Saha expressed confidence that the BJP, if it contests alone, would win all 28 seats. In the previous election, the TMP secured 18 seats, while the BJP won 10.
During the event, 2,499 voters from 755 families, including those from the TMP and CPI(M), joined the BJP, marking a significant political shift ahead of the elections.
