Agartala, April 2 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, expressed strong disapproval of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) on Thursday, alleging that they are misguidedly influencing the public with their slogans, including 'Thansa', 'Greater Tipraland', and 'Puila Jati'.

The TMP, which is tribal-centric and headed by former royal member Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, serves as a coalition partner with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Speaking to attendees in Kunjaram Para within the Paharpur area under the Natunbazar-Malbasa constituency of Gomati district, ahead of the elections for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), Chief Minister Saha accused the TMP of leveraging communal sentiments for political advantage.

“The TMP is deceiving the populace with untrue commitments. Should the BJP reclaim power in the Autonomous District Council, the 'janajati' (tribal) communities will experience authentic and noticeable progress,” stated the senior BJP official.

During the gathering, the Chief Minister warmly welcomed approximately 700 voters from 203 families who decided to switch their allegiance to the BJP.

Chief Minister Saha remarked that the political maneuvers of TMP leaders have recently escalated, although they exhibit a lack of consistency and clarity in their positions.

“For an extended period, they were under the impression that they would maintain control over the TTAADC and that events would unfold as per their desires. However, the dynamics have now shifted,” he noted.

He also mentioned that the BJP had previously sought collaboration with the regional party TMP.

“We engaged in multiple discussions, but they (TMP) kept altering their stance. Much like the Communists, they aspire to dominate and oversee the TTAADC. With cooperation proving impossible, we (BJP) resolved to independently contest the elections,” he elaborated.

Expressing optimism regarding the BJP's electoral prospects, Chief Minister Saha, who previously served as the State BJP President, asserted: “If we secure 28 seats and form the government in the TTAADC, the populace will witness real progress in tribal regions. The TMP merely sows confusion with its misleading narratives.”

He also addressed claims about the Village Council (VC) elections within TTAADC territories.

“They (TMP) allege that we (BJP) are hindering VC elections, but the BJP has consistently been prepared for them,” he affirmed.

Highlighting what he deemed confusion surrounding the term 'Thansa', the Chief Minister stated that it is often utilized vaguely.

“They are involving minorities and Bengalis in this discourse. At times, they advocate for Greater Tipraland without even clearly delineating its borders. Such declarations are designed to mislead rather than confront genuine challenges,” he said.

Chief Minister Saha underscored the BJP's commitment to development, referencing the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas, Sabka Vishwas'.

“We are dedicated to constructing a new Tripura that encompasses all societal segments. Citizens desire peace and advancement, not chaos,” he added.

He further mentioned that the current political climate is founded on democratic principles.

“This is no longer the period of monarchies. That reality needs to be acknowledged,” he remarked.

Addressing issues of financial accountability, the Chief Minister alleged that the funds designated for the development of the Autonomous District Council lacked proper utilization certificates, accusing the TMP of mismanagement.

“There is extensive irregularity. You are deceiving the very individuals you profess to represent under 'Thansa' (a tribal Kokborok term meaning unity). But awareness is growing among the people,” he stated.

In a comparative statement, he noted, “The Tipra Motha Party mirrors the circumstances faced by the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, where democratic processes are frequently interrupted. A similar trend is surfacing here, where ordinary citizens are under pressure.”

“I encourage the youthful members of the TMP to step forward and join the BJP to aid in the state's development,” he urged.

The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, MLA Ranjit Das, and several candidates participating in the TTAADC elections.

The 30-member TTAADC, which comprises 28 elected representatives and two members nominated by the state government, is scheduled for elections on April 12.

Since 2021, the Tipra Motha Party, which is allied with the ruling BJP, has governed the strategically significant TTAADC, which administers nearly two-thirds of Tripura's 10,491 square km geographical area.