Agartala: Former Tripura Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar on Monday pitched the Left Front as the most viable option for voters in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), launching sharp attacks on both the BJP and Tipra Motha over alleged corruption and misgovernance.
Addressing a poll rally at Natunbazar in Gomati district, Sarkar accused leaders of the BJP and Tipra Motha of competing in corrupt practices. “There is a competition between BJP and Tipra Motha leaders on corruption. Their leaders and elected representatives are racing against time to fill their coffers and outdo each other,” he alleged.
Targeting Tipra Motha’s governance of the TTAADC over the past five years, Sarkar claimed that administrative functioning had deteriorated significantly. He alleged delays in salary payments to employees and said pensioners were forced to approach the courts after waiting nearly two years for their dues. He further claimed that socio-economic conditions in rural and tribal areas had worsened, leading to increased labour migration.
Sarkar also criticised the BJP government in the state, accusing Chief Minister Manik Saha of neglecting the TTAADC. “In the past eight years, I have not seen the Chief Minister visit the TTAADC headquarters to review the situation. Nor has the Tribal Welfare Minister made any serious effort to engage with the council. This reflects the BJP’s lack of concern for the people of TTAADC,” he said, adding that the party had no moral right to seek votes in the region.
Highlighting the Left Front’s past governance, Sarkar credited earlier Left governments for laying the foundation of infrastructure and public services in the TTAADC, including roads, markets, schools and other essential facilities. He also pointed to the expansion of rubber cultivation as a key initiative that helped strengthen the rural economy.
In his address, Sarkar also touched upon the historical context of the formation of the TTAADC, claiming that both the BJP and Tipra Motha were disconnected from the original vision behind the council.
Expressing concerns over the conduct of elections, he alleged that free and fair polls had not been held in the state over the past eight years. “Our candidates have received an overwhelming response during door-to-door campaigns. People are ready to bring back the Left, provided elections are conducted fairly,” Sarkar said.