Tripura Chief Minister Calls for Collective Development Across Communities
Chief Minister Manik Saha urges all communities in Tripura to unite for inclusive development during a recent event.
Agartala, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : Chief Minister Manik Saha of Tripura emphasized the need for collective efforts to achieve comprehensive development across all communities in the state. Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony for newly elected executive members of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) in Khumulwng, he highlighted the importance of including tribal communities to ensure progress that transcends caste, religion, or community lines.
Saha noted that since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2018, there has been significant development in both tribal and non-tribal areas of Tripura. He pointed out that the TTAADC, established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution in 1982, plays a crucial role in preserving the culture and identity of tribal communities while enhancing their quality of life.
The Chief Minister reported a remarkable increase in the coverage of piped water supply, which rose from 3% in 2018 to 86% today. He also mentioned advancements in health and education, stating that the state government has recently formed a committee to recommend measures for improving educational standards in Tripura.
During the event, Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, leader of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), echoed the call for inclusive governance and development. Although he announced his withdrawal from active politics, Debbarma pledged to continue working for the holistic development of tribal communities, emphasizing collaboration for the welfare of future generations, irrespective of tribal or non-tribal identities.
The newly sworn-in executive members included Kamal Kalai, Rajeshwar Debbarma, Hollywood Chakma, Kenaram Riyang, Debojit Tripura, and David Murasingh from TMP, along with Kaonjaong Mog from the BJP. Earlier, on May 6, the Chief Executive Member of TTAADC, Runel Debbarma, and Executive Member Chandrakumar Jamatiya had also taken their oaths.
In the recent TTAADC elections held on April 12, TMP achieved a significant victory, winning 24 out of 28 seats, while the BJP secured only four. The CPI(M) and Congress failed to win any seats. The absence of an electoral agreement between the BJP and its tribal allies, TMP and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), led to separate contests.
Since 2021, TMP has been managing this strategically important council, which is considered the second most significant constitutional and political institution in Tripura after the state assembly. The 30-member TTAADC comprises 28 elected representatives and two members appointed by the state government, overseeing nearly 70% of the geographical area of Tripura, which spans 10,491 square kilometers.
Political analysts believe that TMP’s consecutive victories in TTAADC have solidified its position in Tripura’s political landscape. With approximately one-third of the state’s 4.2 million population belonging to tribal communities, they play a decisive role in the region’s politics.
