Former Chief Minister and veteran CPIM leader Manik Sarkar on Monday emphasized the need for a people-centric development approach in West Bengal, drawing lessons from Tripura’s recent initiatives.

Sarkar spoke at a rally organized by CITU in Agartala, which highlighted key developmental priorities for the working class. He suggested that West Bengal could benefit from strategies implemented in Tripura that focused on improving livelihoods and rural infrastructure.

“Tripura has made significant progress in areas such as rural electrification, road connectivity, and healthcare over the past few years. These successes can serve as a model for West Bengal as it plans for the upcoming elections,” he said.

The former CM also stressed the importance of ensuring a participatory political environment. “Voices from all sections of society, including farmers and workers, should be heard and considered in policymaking. Inclusive governance strengthens democracy and helps achieve equitable growth,” Sarkar added.

During the rally, Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury, along with CITU leaders Shankar Prasad Dutta, Manik Dey, and others, participated and discussed proposals to improve worker welfare, education, and healthcare systems.

Sarkar concluded by urging political parties to focus on long-term development strategies rather than short-term electoral gains, emphasizing that a focus on people’s welfare is the best way to ensure sustainable progress.