Agartala, Feb 23 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, asserted on Monday that a significant "reign of exploitation" is underway in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) under the current ruling party.

Since 2021, the political landscape of the 30-member TTAADC, which occupies almost two-thirds of Tripura's 10,491 sq km expanse and houses more than 1.216 million residents, has been dominated by the BJP's junior coalition partner, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP). Notably, around 84% of the population in this area belongs to indigenous communities.

Speaking at a public gathering organized by the BJP in Manubankul, South Tripura, Saha highlighted the commitment of the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government to the betterment of the tribal populace, which represents one-third of Tripura's total population of 4.2 million.

Saha stressed that for substantial progress in the district council, the BJP needs to secure all 28 seats in the forthcoming TTAADC elections.

“Historically, who has genuinely prioritized the tribals? When Atal Bihari Vajpayee first assumed the office of Prime Minister, there was no dedicated department for tribal affairs at the national level. His administration was instrumental in establishing the first department for tribal welfare. Subsequently, under Narendra Modi's leadership, initiatives for tribal development have intensified. Today, our nation is acknowledged not just through rhetoric but through tangible actions and results,” he stated.

Additionally, Saha revealed that he recently appointed a tribal figure as the Chairman of the Tripura Public Service Commission (TPSC).

“Among the three members of the commission, one is a tribal woman. Our sincere objective is to uplift the tribal community,” he remarked.

Addressing the opposition's slogans, the Chief Minister criticized, “The slogan ‘thansa’ (a Kokborok term for unity) is merely a ploy to deceive the public.

“In truth, there is a lack of developmental initiatives. Misconceptions are being fostered to further personal agendas. In the TTAADC, the only authority present is that of exploitation—deciding on profit-sharing. I possess all the audit reports, and we are fully aware of the ongoing issues,” Saha claimed.

“If genuine progress in the TTAADC is desired, ensure the BJP's victory in all 28 seats during the upcoming elections. This can only be achieved with trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he added.

Saha also criticized the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for previously undermining the former Maharajas of Tripura.

“They isolated the Maharajas in their homes. Now, with the advent of democracy, the Maharajas are stepping forward, and others now make grand promises. But where were they during the past?” he questioned.

The Chief Minister noted that the BJP-led government has named Agartala Airport after Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur and has implemented various initiatives to honor the Maharajas of Tripura.

The event saw participation from BJP Pradesh General Secretary Bipin Debbarma, District President Dipayan Chowdhury, South District President Deepak Dutta, MLA Mailafru Mog, along with various party officials and supporters.

As the TTAADC elections approach, major political entities, including the ruling BJP, its ally the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), the TMP, and opposition parties CPI (M) and Congress, are ramping up efforts to solidify their support among tribal voters.

The pivotal TTAADC elections are anticipated to take place in March or April.