Former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar launched a sharp attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of relying on “vote tactics” to cling to power while fostering what he described as growing anarchy in Tripura and across the country. Sarkar made the remarks while addressing a blood donation camp in Agartala, where he warned that democratic principles were under severe threat.
According to Sarkar, the BJP—under the influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—has spent the past 11 years engaging in what he termed as “anti-people activities.” He alleged that the policies and governance model of the party have systematically targeted vulnerable groups, including workers, daily wage earners, farmers, minorities, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Hindus, and Muslims.
“Anarchy has been created in the entire Tripura. This is not BJP’s strength but its weakness being exposed before the people,” Sarkar said, while urging citizens to recognize the state of governance under the ruling party.
Criticism of BJP’s 2024 Election Performance
In his address, Sarkar also pointed to the BJP’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the party fell short of its ambitious target of 400 seats. Instead, the BJP secured 240 seats and had to rely on coalition partners to form the government.
“They gave the slogan of 400 seats but managed only 240. The BJP could not form the government alone, and today the burden of running the government lies on others’ shoulders,” Sarkar remarked, portraying the outcome as evidence of waning public trust in the party.
Allegations of Voter List Manipulation
Sarkar further accused the BJP of manipulating democratic processes by interfering with voter lists. Citing the recent Special Intensified Revision (SIR) in Bihar, he alleged that around 65 lakh names were excluded from the draft voter list, most of whom belonged to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Muslims, and other minority communities.
“The BJP is trying to manipulate democracy by controlling voter lists of its choice. The opposition has even been silenced in Parliament and Assemblies,” the former CM charged.
He claimed such tactics were part of a larger strategy to marginalize communities and suppress dissent, further warning that these moves could lead to growing instability and discontent among the people.
Call to Resist “Authoritarian Tactics”
In his closing remarks, Sarkar appealed to citizens—especially the working class and marginalized sections—to resist what he described as the BJP’s “authoritarian tactics.” He emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic values and continuing the struggles of ordinary people who, according to him, have borne the brunt of BJP policies.
“The fight for democracy must go hand in hand with the struggles of the poor, the workers, and the marginalized communities,” Sarkar said, urging the people of Tripura to remain vigilant against policies that undermine their rights and livelihoods.
The former Chief Minister’s comments have added fuel to the ongoing political debates in Tripura, where both ruling and opposition parties are locked in a battle of narratives ahead of upcoming electoral contests.