Agartala, April 5: Ahead of the upcoming elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday unveiled its Sankalp Patra, outlining a series of promises focused on the welfare, empowerment and all-round development of Indigenous communities in the ADC areas.
The manifesto was released during a press conference held at Chokhereng Hall, Khumulwng. Among those present were Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee, ministers Bikash Debbarma, Santana Chakma, Tinku Roy, former MP Rebati Tripura, and several other party leaders.
In the Sankalp Patra, the BJP alleged that the Indigenous population of the state had remained socially, educationally and economically backward during the long years of Left Front rule. The party asserted that the present government is committed to reversing that trend and strengthening development in ADC areas under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
A major focus of the manifesto is the protection and promotion of Indigenous languages and culture. The BJP promised greater recognition for Kokborok and other Indigenous languages, the formation of Customary Courts to safeguard traditional laws, and the democratic restructuring of Village Committees. The party also pledged to set up handloom and handicraft training centres in every zone to economically empower Indigenous women.
In the education and healthcare sectors, the BJP announced plans to construct hostels for girl students in Indigenous-dominated areas and establish a modern medical college in Dhalai district. It also proposed the development of a modern football academy and a martial arts academy at Khumulwng.
On rural development, the manifesto promised the creation of Smart Panchayats, transformation of rural markets into urban-style growth centres, and faster implementation of electrification, drinking water supply and solar lighting projects in ADC villages. It also highlighted commitments to provide pucca houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, support the marketing of forest produce through the Van Dhan Yojana, and extend assistance for rubber cultivation.
One of the key political proposals in the document is an initiative to rename the TTAADC as the “Tripura Autonomous Territorial Council (TATC)”. The BJP also stated that steps would be taken to establish the Bir Bikram Manikya Tribal University to promote Indigenous culture, history and literature.
With the TTAADC elections scheduled for April 12, the BJP expressed confidence of securing victory in all seats and urged voters to support the party’s lotus symbol to continue what it described as the path of development and empowerment.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, in a social media post, said the BJP has always remained committed to fulfilling every promise and reaffirmed the party’s dedication to the overall welfare of the Indigenous people. He said the Sankalp Patra reflects the party’s vision for a “Viksit TTAADC” rooted in prosperity, identity and opportunity for all.
