The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday unveiled its manifesto for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, promising a major structural upgrade of the existing council into a Tripura Autonomous Territorial Council (TATC) with enhanced constitutional safeguards.
The manifesto, titled “Sankalpa Patra,” was released at Khumulang in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, state BJP president Rajib Bhattacharjee, Industries Minister Santana Chakma and Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma. Senior BJP leader and former MP Rebati Tripura said the party has outlined 29 commitments aimed at transforming governance and development in tribal areas.
A key highlight of the document is the proposal to grant greater autonomy through the formation of the TATC, along with measures for socio-economic progress, cultural preservation and infrastructure expansion. The party has promised recognition for Kokborok and other tribal languages, the formation of democratically elected Village Committees, and steps to safeguard customary laws and traditions.
In the healthcare and education sectors, the BJP has proposed setting up a medical college in Dhalai district and a nursing and paramedical institute in Khumulwng. Infrastructure plans include modern office facilities in Village Committee areas and the upgradation of rural markets under the council.
To boost the local economy, the manifesto promises handloom and handicraft training centres in every zone, strengthening of women’s self-help groups, and expansion of initiatives to create more “Lakhpati Didis.” It also includes bamboo product training and marketing centres, along with facilities for traditional weaving and tribal attire production.
The party has also pledged to establish a modern football academy and a martial arts academy, promote traditional tribal medicinal practices, and prepare a comprehensive master plan for the development of Khumulwng. Welfare measures include permanent housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, replacement of tin-roof houses, and financial and technical support for jhum cultivators.
Basic services such as universal electrification, piped drinking water supply, solar lighting projects, skill development programmes, and start-up support for youth have also been promised.
Addressing the media, Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed confidence that voters in ADC areas would back the BJP, citing development efforts since 2018. He also criticized rival party Tipra Motha over alleged violence, reiterating BJP’s stance against such incidents.
On governance issues, Saha said corruption allegations would be addressed if BJP forms the council, emphasizing that the proposed territorial council would bring substantive constitutional benefits and not merely a change in name.
