‘Empty Promises, No Ground Reality’: Tripura Congress Slams BJP, Allies Ahead of TTAADC Polls
With the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections expected within the next two months, the Tripura Pradesh Congress has mounted a scathing attack on the ruling BJP and its regional allies, accusing them of betraying indigenous aspirations through hollow slogans and political diversion.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, TPCC president Asish Kumar Saha said indigenous communities in the state are now realising that slogans such as Tipraland, Greater Tipraland, No Compromise, and constitutional solution were used merely as election tools, with no tangible development delivered after the parties came to power.
Without directly naming BJP allies Tipra Motha and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), Saha said regional parties have repeatedly projected themselves as “messiahs” of tribal interests while failing to fulfil their promises.
“At different times, different slogans were raised—first Tipraland, then Greater Tipraland, followed by No Compromise and constitutional solution. Today, all those slogans have vanished, and suddenly the focus has shifted to the Roman script issue for Kokborok,” Saha said.
He alleged that the ruling alliance partners are deliberately attempting to divert public attention by fuelling the script controversy.
“One ally is demanding Roman script, while another is opposing it. Congress has consistently supported the Roman script for Kokborok, but others are maintaining double standards to suit their political convenience,” he added.
Questioning the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, Saha asked why repeated agitations are being organised despite the agreement having already been signed.
“If the accord exists, why are protests still being held for its implementation? Indigenous people are confused because no clear answers are being provided,” he said.
The Congress leader further alleged that neither the BJP nor its regional partners have delivered meaningful development for tribal communities since coming to power.
Highlighting Congress’ legacy, Saha said the party has a proven historical commitment to indigenous welfare, from the era of India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
Referring to constitutional safeguards, Saha recalled that Dr Manmohan Singh had initiated the 125th Constitutional Amendment to strengthen Sixth Schedule areas across the Northeast.
“Even after 12 years of BJP rule at the Centre, the amendment remains pending, while regional parties’ grand slogans have completely faded,” he said.
Saha asserted that new issues are now being raised by regional party leaders merely to protect their political credibility. However, he claimed that indigenous people are increasingly recognising Congress as the only credible alternative for protecting their rights, ensuring development, and securing their future ahead of the TTAADC elections.
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