Agartala, April 5 (NationPress) Tripura's Chief Minister, Manik Saha, announced on Sunday that should the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secure victory in the upcoming elections for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), comprehensive efforts will be made to drive the socio-economic advancement of the Janajati (tribal) communities.

During the unveiling of the 'Sankalp Patra' (manifesto) in anticipation of the pivotal April 12 elections for the TTAADC, CM Saha emphasized that the BJP is unwavering in its commitment to honor its promises and is focused on the welfare and empowerment of the Janajati tribes.

The 'Sankalp Patra' was presented at the TTAADC headquarters in Khumulwng, reflecting the party's dedication to the tribal autonomous council elections.

“This manifesto emphasizes the comprehensive development of the Janajati population, placing a strong emphasis on economic progress, social upliftment, and the safeguarding of cultural and linguistic heritage throughout the TTAADC regions,” CM Saha conveyed to the press.

He noted that the document delineates new initiatives aimed at increasing educational access, enhancing skill development, and generating job opportunities for the youth.

Through this vision, the BJP aspires to establish a 'Viksit TTAADC', rooted in prosperity, identity, and inclusive growth for everyone, the Chief Minister remarked.

Present at the event were Sambit Patra, Lok Sabha member from the Puri parliamentary constituency and Northeast Coordinator of the BJP, along with Rajib Bhattacharjee, the Tripura BJP state President, Ministers Bikash Debbarma and Santana Chakma, and former Lok Sabha member Rebati Tripura.

The BJP’s pre-election commitments also encompass proper acknowledgment of the Kokborok language and other tribal dialects, the establishment of Village Committees through democratic means, and actions to uphold the customary laws and traditions of tribal communities.

The manifesto proposes the creation of handloom and handicraft training centers in every zone to empower tribal women economically, the establishment of girls’ hostels in each tribal district, and the development of modern office infrastructures in every Village Committee area.

Moreover, the BJP has pledged to implement systems for the production, collection, packaging, and marketing of forest products under the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana, enhancing tribal livelihoods.

Additionally, there is a commitment to establish a medical college in the tribal-dominated Dhalai district.

The party also promised that Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for tribal women would be fortified, with special measures aimed at increasing the number of “Lakhpati Didis.”

Among other significant promises, the BJP indicated that the TTAADC would be renamed the Tripura Autonomous Territorial Council (TATC). It also suggested the creation of a Martial Arts Academy in tribal regions and initiatives to expand, document, and scientifically enhance traditional tribal medicinal practices.

The 'Sankalp Patra' also underscored the Chief Minister’s vision for a “drug-free Tripura,” which will be vigorously pursued through the TTAADC administration.

The 30-member TTAADC, comprising 28 elected representatives and two appointed by the state government, is set to hold elections on April 12.

Since 2021, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), an ally of the ruling BJP, has been in charge of this strategically significant council, overseeing nearly two-thirds of Tripura’s 10,491 sq km area.

As the TTAADC elections approach, major political parties, including the BJP, its allies TMP and the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT), along with opposition entities like the CPI(M) and Congress, have ramped up efforts to garner support from tribal voters. Both TMP and IPFT are regional parties focused on tribal issues.