Agartala, April 5 (NationPress) On Sunday, Tripura's Chief Minister Manik Saha declared that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stands as the sole viable alternative for driving advancement within the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).

During an election rally in Machli, located in the Dhalai district, the Chief Minister emphasized that the BJP, presently in the opposition in the TTAADC, does not need to form alliances with groups such as the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) to progress.

“The recently unveiled ‘Sankalp Patra’ (manifesto) for the TTAADC elections encapsulates the aspirations of the populace. There is no substitute for the BJP if we aim for authentic development in tribal areas,” he stated.

Saha took a jab at the Tipra Motha Party, questioning its inception and alleging that many of its members have ties to the Communist movement. He criticized previous administrations, asserting that the state experienced turmoil and violence during the prolonged period of Left rule.

The Chief Minister also accused regional parties of practicing divisive politics, stating, “They lack a coherent ideology. Their methods focus on division instead of progress.”

Reiterating BJP’s dedication to democratic principles, he remarked, “Democracy thrives on dialogue and transparency, not on intimidation or suppression.”

Earlier in the day, he launched the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ at the party’s TTAADC hub in Khumulwng, detailing 29 essential promises ahead of the council elections. He expressed confidence that the BJP is set to establish the TTAADC government for the first time.

“This will mark a historic milestone. Our priority lies in infrastructure advancements, peace, and the welfare of tribal communities,” he added.

Emphasizing ongoing projects, Saha highlighted substantial funding allocated for ADC areas under the “double-engine” government. He pointed out improvements in infrastructure, drinking water access through the Jal Jeevan Mission, and rehabilitation measures for Reang refugees fleeing from Mizoram due to ethnic strife.

“The BJP rejects violence. Our commitment is towards peace and development. Our vision is grounded in real-world conditions and is intended for the overall upliftment of the Janajati community,” he affirmed.

Numerous senior leaders, including MLAs and party members, were in attendance at the events.

The 30-seat TTAADC, consisting of 28 elected officials and two appointed by the state government, is set for elections on April 12.

Since 2021, the Tipra Motha Party has been at the helm of the strategically significant council, which governs nearly two-thirds of Tripura’s 10,491 sq km area.

With the TTAADC elections approaching, major political entities like the BJP, TMP, and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), along with opposition factions such as the CPI(M) and Congress, are ramping up efforts to rally support from tribal voters. Both TMP and IPFT are regional parties focused on tribal issues.