Former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Wednesday expressed his belief that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been steadily losing ground in the state. Sarkar attributed the perceived decline in BJP’s influence to what he called the government’s failure to deliver on key promises made before the 2018 Assembly elections. The senior CPI(M) leader, who served as Tripura’s Chief Minister for nearly two decades, pointed out that BJP leaders had assured people of substantial development, job opportunities, and improvements in public services, which, according to him, have not been realized.
Sarkar argued that the BJP-led administration in Tripura had created an “illusion of change” during their campaign to secure votes. However, he claimed, reality has since proven otherwise. Many promises, he alleged, were made without proper planning or adequate consideration of the needs of the people. Sarkar emphasized that several vital areas, including healthcare, employment, and education, have not seen the anticipated progress. Instead, he contended, dissatisfaction among the people has grown due to unmet expectations.
Highlighting his concerns over the current state of public welfare, Sarkar stated that healthcare facilities remain inadequate, with rural areas facing a particular shortage of medical resources. He criticized the government for not implementing effective healthcare initiatives or investing in the development of healthcare infrastructure, which has reportedly left many communities struggling to access basic health services. According to Sarkar, this neglect has intensified the hardships of those who reside in remote areas of Tripura.
Unemployment, which was a focal point of the BJP’s 2018 campaign, has remained a persistent issue in the state, according to Sarkar. He argued that promises of large-scale job creation and industrial development have not materialized, leaving many educated youth in Tripura still searching for stable employment opportunities. Sarkar claimed that frustration among the younger population has been building as a result, as they are unable to secure jobs that match their qualifications or expectations.
Sarkar also raised concerns about the state of education in Tripura, which he alleged has seen a decline under the current administration. He argued that educational institutions are facing various challenges, including staff shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources, which have impacted the quality of education available to students. Sarkar suggested that these issues could have long-term implications on the development of human capital in the state, potentially affecting Tripura’s progress for years to come.
The former Chief Minister also touched upon issues of governance and accountability. Sarkar argued that the BJP government’s decisions often lack transparency, which, he claimed, has led to growing distrust among the people. He contended that policies and projects are frequently announced with much fanfare but fail to deliver tangible benefits to the public. Sarkar suggested that the state’s residents are becoming increasingly skeptical of the government’s intentions, particularly in light of alleged instances of corruption and favoritism in awarding contracts and public resources.
In Sarkar’s view, the BJP’s alleged failure to address pressing issues has created a sense of disillusionment among the people, especially among those who had voted for change in 2018. Sarkar argued that this sentiment is now manifesting as declining support for the ruling party. He suggested that while the BJP initially gained traction by presenting itself as a fresh alternative to the longstanding Left rule in the state, its inability to fulfill its promises has started to erode its base.
Sarkar further observed that the CPI(M) has been working to connect with the public and highlight these issues, aiming to rebuild its rapport with the voters. He expressed optimism that, given the current dissatisfaction with the BJP, the people of Tripura might once again look to the Left as a viable alternative. Sarkar emphasized that his party is focusing on grassroots outreach, which he hopes will resonate with the electorate in the upcoming elections.
Concluding his remarks, Sarkar called on the people of Tripura to critically assess the state government’s performance since 2018. He urged voters to hold the BJP accountable for its promises and to make informed decisions in the future. Sarkar’s statement reflects his conviction that the Left can regain its influence in Tripura by addressing the issues he claims the BJP has neglected.
Sarkar’s comments highlight the ongoing political tensions in Tripura, as well as the challenges the BJP faces in maintaining its position amid claims of unmet promises. With elections on the horizon, the dynamics in Tripura are likely to draw increased attention, with political parties vying to win over an electorate that Sarkar believes is ready for change.