Agartala, Apr 2 (PTI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday asserted that the BJP is the only party capable of bringing development to the tribal areas of the northeastern state.
Addressing an election rally for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) polls at Paharpur in Gomati district, he alleged that the CPI(M), Congress and Tipra Motha Party (TMP) had ruled the tribal council in the past but failed to bring meaningful change in the lives of indigenous people.
“The BJP is the only party which could usher in development in the tribal areas of the state. If you vote for us, we will ensure speedy development”, he said.
Accusing the TMP of siphoning off funds meant for development, the CM said the state has sanctioned 28 projects amounting to Rs 200 crore for the tribal council over the past three years, apart from the budgetary outlay.
“Out of Rs 200 crore, Rs 112 crore has already been released to the TMP-controlled tribal council, but no utilisation certificate has been submitted yet. You all know where the funds are going,” he alleged.
Saha claimed that Rs 30 crore was allocated to set up a modern hospital at Khumulwng in West Tripura, followed by an additional Rs 10 crore for the project.
“But the tribal council has failed to set up the hospital yet. It is evident that the TMP-controlled tribal council is misusing public funds at their will”, he alleged.
Urging people to vote for the BJP in the elections, the CM also highlighted the work done for the welfare of the indigenous people.
Saha added, “We are spending around 40 per cent of the state’s budget for the welfare of tribal people. The state had only four Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) before the BJP came to power in 2018. Currently, 12 EMRS are functioning, and nine more are in the pipeline”.
Polling for 28 seats of the tribal council will be held on April 12, while counting will take place on April 17. PTI PS MNB
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