Can Politics Thrive Without Muscle Power or Communal Provocation? Tripura CM Saha Speaks
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Agartala, Oct 25 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, emphasized on Saturday that politics must not rely on muscle power or communal provocation, highlighting the essential need for peace and harmony within the state.
During a gathering in Mandwai, located in the West Tripura district, Saha welcomed 339 voters from 109 families, primarily from tribal communities, who joined the BJP.
This event followed a significant induction of 6,400 voters, predominantly from tribal backgrounds, who joined the BJP in Khowai on the previous day. This was preceded by another event just four days earlier, where 690 tribal voters from 200 families joined the ruling party in Takarjala on October 22.
Earlier this month and in September, numerous tribal individuals have also joined the BJP, further consolidating the party's influence in tribal regions ahead of the crucial elections for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) scheduled for early next year.
While addressing the assembly, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is dedicated to the welfare of the people in tribal regions, expressing the BJP's commitment to liberate the state from a culture of fear in politics.
“Using muscle power to silence the voices of the people will not be tolerated,” Saha insisted, indirectly referencing the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), the BJP's junior ally. “If we are attacked, we will respond appropriately through legal channels,” he added.
The Chief Minister's statements were made following a violent incident involving TMP-affiliated Tiprasa Civil Society (TCS) activists during a protest in Dhalai district on October 23, which resulted in injuries to more than 12 individuals.
Among the injured were local officials such as Abhijit Majumdar, the Block Development Officer, and Samudra Debbarma, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer.
Saha remarked, “I believe no one can match the bravery of the tribal communities. Their courage is not about violence, but rather about confidently showcasing their skill set and leadership qualities, which are indeed prevalent among them.”
He stated that Tripura has endured a long history of fear-based politics, which the BJP is determined to eliminate.
“Wherever communists have governed, there have been incidents of murder, terrorism, and arson,” Saha claimed.
He also noted that since Narendra Modi assumed the role of Prime Minister in 2014, the political landscape across the nation has transformed, positioning India as a resilient nation under his guidance.
“We aim to align our efforts with the direction set by the Prime Minister. However, there are attempts to instigate chaos in Tripura. We possess the right to engage in politics anywhere; today, we live in a democracy, not a monarchy,” he asserted.
“How long can one persist with physical force and communal tensions? An incident in Takarjala involved a 75-year-old woman being stabbed. What justification can there be for such acts? What type of politics is this?” Saha questioned.
He emphasized that the CPI (M) has governed Tripura, West Bengal, and Kerala for extended periods, but the BJP took power in Tripura in 2018 under Modi, putting an end to communist rule.
Saha warned that any party attempting to stifle the voices of the people through force will face stringent action.
“I have consistently stated that if politics is conducted in a democratic manner, we can coexist peacefully. However, if undue pressure is applied to tarnish the government or our party, we will not accept it,” he declared.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the BJP government's dedication to the development and welfare of those in tribal areas.
“I take pride in witnessing the increasing involvement of tribal women in recent initiatives. They recognize the significance of progress and harmony, and they play a vital role in fortifying the Bharatiya Janata Party,” he concluded.
The event saw the presence of notable figures such as BJP state President Rajib Bhattacharya, former Lok Sabha member Rebati Tripura, BJP State General Secretary Bipin Debbarma, and other prominent leaders.