Agartala: The Janajati Morcha, the tribal wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tripura, has strongly opposed the proposed ‘Raj Bhavan Abhijan’ called by the Tripura Rajya Ganamukti Parisad (GMP), the tribal arm of the CPI(M). Scheduled for January 11, the GMP plans to march to the Governor’s residence to submit a deputation addressing issues related to the tribal community.
Speaking at a press conference, Janajati Morcha Vice President Bidyot Debbarma criticized the initiative, questioning the CPI(M)’s concerns over tribal welfare. “We strongly oppose the GMP’s move and challenge their stance on tribal interests,” Debbarma said, emphasizing the BJP’s track record in advancing the development of tribal communities.
Debbarma highlighted the resolution of the decades-long Bru refugee crisis under the BJP-led NDA government, describing it as a major achievement. He also pointed to the identification of 12 tribal-dominated blocks as aspirational blocks to accelerate development in tribal areas, alongside the renaming of Agartala Airport after Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya as examples of the government’s commitment to tribal welfare.
Addressing the delay in holding elections for Village Committees (VCs), Debbarma explained that the process was stalled to accommodate the inclusion of Bru voters. “Once the inclusion process is complete, the state government will proceed with elections for all 587 village committees. Meanwhile, development work continues in these rural bodies,” he said.
Senior BJP leader Bimal Chakma also criticized the Left Front, accusing it of neglecting the empowerment of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). “The Left deliberately ignored providing more powers to the autonomous tribal council,” Chakma claimed.
He reiterated the BJP’s support for the 125th Amendment Bill, which promises to enhance the political and economic empowerment of tribal councils. “We want this bill to be passed in Parliament to further empower the TTAADC,” he added.
The confrontation over the ‘Raj Bhavan Abhijan’ reflects a broader political tussle over tribal issues in Tripura, with the BJP and CPI(M) trading barbs over their respective records on addressing tribal welfare and development.
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