Agartala: Former Tripura Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using self-help groups (SHGs) to influence women for political gains.
Speaking at a party event in Agartala, Sarkar criticized the ruling party for allegedly restricting SHG participation to BJP-affiliated women, thereby politicizing an initiative originally aimed at economic empowerment.
“The concept of SHGs is not new to Tripura. It was introduced during the Left Front regime to empower women economically. Tripura was among the leading states in successfully implementing SHGs,” Sarkar said. Official data shows that the number of women-led SHGs in the state has surged from 4,000 in 2018 to 52,000 in 2024, with approximately 4.73 lakh women engaged in these organizations. However, Sarkar alleged that the BJP has used this growth as a tool for political maneuvering.
“Earlier, SHGs were open to all women, but now they are restricted to those who are BJP members,” he claimed, urging CPI(M)’s women leaders to rally for inclusivity. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s acknowledgment of the crucial role women voters played in recent elections, Sarkar stressed the importance of engaging “half of the population” to counter political strategies that exploit gender-based platforms.
The former CM also criticized the BJP for allegedly turning religious events into political platforms. “Religious programmes are increasingly being transformed into political events, with only ruling party members seen organizing them,” he remarked. Sarkar urged CPI(M) workers to actively participate in such events to strengthen their connection with the public.
The remarks underline growing political tensions in Tripura, as the CPI(M) challenges the BJP’s strategies ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Read More: Assam: Kaziranga National Park Sees Record-Breaking Tourist Inflow, Revenue in 2024