Did the CPI (M) Exploit Tribals as a Vote Bank While BJP Aims for Inclusive Growth?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Accusation against CPI (M): Exploitation of tribal communities for votes.
- BJP's commitment: Focus on inclusive development and public welfare.
- Significant voter shift: 5,050 voters joined BJP from other parties.
- Thansa concept: Promoting unity among diverse communities.
- Political confidence: BJP aims for victory in upcoming elections.
Agartala, Dec 13 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, accused the CPI (M) of treating the janajati (tribal) communities as mere electoral assets during its extended tenure, while he emphasized that the BJP is dedicated to holistic development and the welfare of all citizens.
Speaking at a party event held at the Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan, Saha noted that the communists were overly confident in their support from tribal voters, often starting the counting of Assembly election results from the 20 seats designated for tribals in a total of 60.
“Now, they (CPI-M) are fearful. We have learned from their tactics. In the next Assembly elections, whenever a BJP government is formed, we will also commence counting from 20,” he stated.
A former BJP state President, Saha mentioned that his party has the support and direction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the national President J.P. Nadda, striving for peace and progress in the state.
He claimed that previous politics were characterized by fear, threats, and violence, which resulted in prolonged distress for the janajati communities.
During the program, Saha officially welcomed 5,050 voters from 1,706 families who have joined the BJP.
Reflecting on earlier political practices, he commented that markets would often close and threats would be issued whenever leaders attended meetings.
“Such politics will not prevail. The BJP grows stronger wherever attacks occur,” he added, reiterating that the party adheres to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “New India” and is committed to establishing a “New Tripura.”
“The BJP is not a party of thugs. It is a party that serves the people,” Saha asserted.
He elaborated on the concept of 'Thansa' (a tribal term meaning unity), stating it represents harmony among jati (non-tribals), janajati (tribals), Manipuri and minority communities, which the BJP aims to enhance for the development of Tripura.
Saha emphasized that the BJP-led government is focused on development while respecting all contributors to the state, including members of the royal family.
He noted that while new political parties frequently surface, it is the BJP-led double-engine government that truly works for the benefit of janajatis.
Saha expressed that those who joined the BJP on Saturday made a timely decision and conveyed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the forthcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.
The meeting was attended by various senior party officials including Rajib Bhattacharya, Bipin Debbarma, Santana Chakma, Sushant Chowdhury, Tinku Roy, Sudhangshu Das, Bikas Debbarma, and others.