Agartala, January 6:
With the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections likely within the next two months, Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday led a massive roadshow at Manu in the remote Dhalai district, drawing an overwhelming response, particularly from the indigenous population.
Thousands of supporters lined both sides of the road to welcome the Chief Minister, many dressed in traditional tribal attire. Travelling in an open-top vehicle, Dr Saha greeted the crowd as flower petals were showered along the route. The scale of participation and the enthusiasm displayed by the people marked the roadshow as a significant political event in the tribal-dominated region.
Addressing the media, Dr Saha said such enthusiasm is usually witnessed during visits by the Prime Minister or the Union Home Minister. He claimed that this was possibly the first time a state leader had received such a massive public response, reflecting the people’s confidence in the development initiatives of the BJP-led government.
The Chief Minister attributed the turnout to the success of the “double-engine” government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted improved peace and law-and-order conditions in Tripura and across the Northeast as major achievements of the present dispensation.
Dr Saha reiterated the government’s commitment to development without discrimination or political bias. He cited initiatives such as road construction, drinking water supply, electricity connections, LPG distribution, housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and health coverage through PMJAY and the Mukhyamantri Jana Arogya Yojana.
Noting that nearly 75 per cent of Tripura’s population resides in rural areas, the Chief Minister said significant socio-economic progress, especially among women, has strengthened public trust. “The BJP believes not only in dialogue, but in performance,” he said.
In recent weeks, Dr Saha has intensified outreach in TTAADC areas through rallies and community programmes, seen as part of the BJP’s strategy to expand its influence ahead of the polls, amid visible differences with alliance partner TIPRA Motha, which currently controls the council.
