Agartala, Aug 23 — The Tripura Pradesh Congress on Friday observed the historic Autonomous District Council (ADC) Day at Congress Bhavan in Agartala, paying homage to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for her pivotal role in empowering the tribal communities of the state.
Addressing the media, Tripura Pradesh Congress President Ashish Kumar Saha highlighted that it was under the Congress-led central government in 1984, during Indira Gandhi’s tenure, that the tribal areas of Tripura were brought under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, granting them constitutional protection.
“Whatever development and welfare the tribal people of Tripura have seen is because of the Congress Party. Indira Gandhi gave the tribal communities of Tripura their constitutional voice,” said Saha. He added that leaders and supporters from all sections came together to honour her legacy on this day.
Saha accused other political parties in the state of failing to take substantial measures for tribal upliftment. He said the Congress had not only implemented the Sixth Schedule but also secured the rights of tribal communities over water, forest, and land. He also praised Rahul Gandhi for his continued advocacy on tribal issues.
Referring to the long-pending 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, Saha noted that it was originally drafted by the Congress to enhance the powers of Tribal District Councils. However, he claimed the bill has been sidelined since the change of government at the Centre, and accused the current Tribal Welfare Minister of using it as a political tool ahead of elections.
Reaffirming the Congress’s commitment to the tribal cause, Saha reiterated support for direct funding to ADC areas, calling it vital for genuine empowerment. “Congress is and will continue to be the true voice of Tripura’s tribal communities,” he concluded.
