Agartala: Tripura CM Manik Saha on Thursday criticised the demand for Greater Tipraland, questioning its feasibility, and asserted that the public of TTAADC had decided to bring a change this time.
Addressing a poll rally at Natunbazar in Gomati District, Saha said the contours of the proposed Greater Tipraland were unclear and referred to claims that it included areas in Bangladesh.
“We do not know the boundary of Greater Tipraland. It is said that it includes areas from Bangladesh as well. No one knows its length and breadth,” he said.
He also questioned statements about including regions such as Khagrachari, Chittagong, and Cox’s Bazar in Greater Tipraland, saying, “Is it really possible? Can any state government capture such areas that are now part and parcel of a foreign country?”
Referring to India’s foreign policy, the chief minister said, “India has never attacked any country nor captured any geographical territory,” and added that such proposals would not be acceptable at the national level.
Saha alleged that the issue was being raised to attract public attention since Tipra Motha was running out of poll planks this time, adding that the political stance of the party is full of inconsistencies.
“The situation has changed. We thought, as allies, we should walk together and fight elections together, but they (Tipra Motha) say one thing and do another. They failed to keep their commitment,” he said.
He further alleged that misinformation was being spread regarding land under the TTAADC, particularly in connection with the formation of Bishramganja and Amarpur Nagar Panchayats.
“Misleading and manufactured facts are being placed before the public. When leaders were invited for joint inspection and officials clarified that there was nothing wrong, they became silent,” he said.
Saha also targeted opposition parties, alleging attempts to revive earlier political practices in the tribal areas.
Claiming electoral strength, he said, “We are going to form the TTAADC council with a decisive mandate,” adding that the BJP had decided to contest the elections independently.
“If we form the government, there will be real development,” he said.
After the rally, Saha welcomed around 700 people into the BJP, party sources said.