BJP Targets ADC Governance as Elections Near
With elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) approaching, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday launched a strong attack on the TIPRA Motha-led council. He accused the council of financial mismanagement, administrative inefficiency, and misleading indigenous communities to hide governance failures.
Dr. Saha made the remarks while addressing a press conference at the BJP state headquarters in Agartala.
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Rejects Claims of Fund Starvation
The Chief Minister rejected allegations by ADC authorities that the state government was denying funds to the council. He said the TTAADC had received more than its entitled share but failed to use the resources properly.
According to Dr. Saha, the problem lies in weak planning and poor execution by the ADC administration rather than a lack of financial support.
Rising Budget Share for Tribal Development
Dr. Saha said the state government has consistently increased spending on tribal development. He noted that nearly 39.6 per cent of Tripura’s total development expenditure in the 2025–26 financial year is allocated for tribal areas.
He added that the share is likely to cross 40 per cent in the upcoming state budget. The Chief Minister said this reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive growth in tribal regions.
Explains Structure of Government Spending
The Chief Minister explained that a large portion of the state budget goes toward committed expenditures. These include salaries, pensions, social security schemes, and interest payments.
He alleged that the ADC leadership either failed or refused to understand the state’s financial structure. This lack of understanding, he said, has led to repeated claims of inadequate funding.
Questions Utilisation of Major Investments
Dr. Saha raised questions over how the council utilised funds allocated in recent years. He said the state sanctioned ₹30 crore twice for hospital development at Khumulwng after 2018.
He also pointed out that the government mobilised ₹1,400 crore from the World Bank for infrastructure projects in tribal areas. In addition, ₹1,700 crore was allocated under the ELEMENT Project for development works.
According to the Chief Minister, the scale of these investments contradicts claims of financial neglect.
Allegations Over Appointments and Pensions
Dr. Saha alleged that the ADC administration appointed employees without prior approval from the state Finance Department. He claimed these decisions have created serious pension liabilities.
He said the council is now struggling to meet long-term financial commitments due to unplanned recruitment.
Accuses TIPRA Motha of Political Misinformation
The Chief Minister accused TIPRA Motha of spreading confusion among indigenous communities for political advantage. He said several governments and parties have governed the ADC in the past and faced public scrutiny.
Dr. Saha claimed the current council leadership has failed to deliver visible development despite receiving substantial resources.
BJP to Contest ADC Polls Independently
Although TIPRA Motha is an NDA ally in the Tripura Assembly, Dr. Saha clarified that no alliance exists in the ADC. He said the BJP would contest the TTAADC elections on its own.
Expressing confidence in the party’s performance, he said the BJP’s support base has grown steadily in tribal areas. He predicted a decisive mandate for the party and claimed it would win all 28 seats in the upcoming council elections.
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