Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today alleged that during the long rule of the CPI(M), the janajati (tribal) communities were reduced to a “vote bank,” while asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) works genuinely for the welfare of the people.

“The Bharatiya Janata Party is not a party of goons. It is a party that works for the people,” Dr. Saha said while addressing a BJP programme held at the Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala.

At the event, the Chief Minister formally welcomed 5,050 voters from 1,706 families into the BJP.

Addressing party workers and supporters, Dr. Saha claimed that for years the communists were confident of winning at least 20 Assembly seats because they had turned the janajati population into a guaranteed vote bank.

“That is why they used to begin their election calculations from 20 seats. But now they are scared. We have learned from them, and from the next Assembly elections, when the BJP forms the government, we too will start counting from 20,” he said.

He added that the BJP enjoys the blessings and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President JP Nadda, and stressed that the party believes in peace and development.

“They came to power through the barrel of a gun. We have witnessed that kind of politics. For decades, our janajati brothers and sisters suffered. We do not want that politics anymore,” the Chief Minister said.

Dr. Saha also alleged that whenever BJP leaders visit certain areas, markets are forcibly shut, doors are locked, threats are issued, and abuses are hurled.

“The same treatment is meted out to the BJP state president as well. But this will not continue. Wherever attacks are made, the BJP only grows stronger. No one can stop it,” he asserted.

Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s vision, Dr. Saha said, “The Prime Minister spoke of New India during Operation Sindoor. Similarly, we are committed to building a New Tripura.”

Explaining the concept of ‘Thansa’, the Chief Minister said it represents unity among jati, janajati, Manipuri and minority communities, and through this unity the BJP aims to build a stronger Tripura.

He further stated that the present BJP-led government is focused solely on development and respects all sections of society.

“We know how to give respect. We have honoured members of the royal family who contributed to Tripura’s development. Unlike others, we do not rule through force. Parties come and go every five years, but no one truly thinks about the janajatis. Whatever development work is needed for the janajati communities will be done by the BJP-led double-engine government,” he said.

Dr. Saha added that Prime Minister Modi has taken several initiatives for the welfare of tribal communities across the country, which people must recognize.

Congratulating the new entrants, the Chief Minister said they had taken the right decision at the right time.

“If we want to strengthen the state and the nation, we must trust the BJP. When the bell rings for the TTAADC elections, an even larger gathering will be held in Khumulwng after the polls. We will show what we can do for the people. People are now beginning to understand this,” he said.

The programme was attended by BJP State President Rajib Bhattacharya, General Secretary Bipin Debbarma, Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, Tourism Minister Sushant Chowdhury, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Scheduled Caste Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das, Janajati Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, BJP Vice President and ADC member Bimal Chakma, Vice President Subal Bhowmik, MLA Shambhu Lal Chakma, along with other senior party leaders and representatives.