Agartala, February 12: Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday asserted that the nationwide strike called by central trade unions and supported by the CPI(M) failed to make any impact in the state, claiming that people have “rejected bandh politics.”
Speaking to reporters in Agartala, Dr Saha said normal life continued uninterrupted across the capital and other parts of Tripura, with offices, markets, banks, schools and transport services functioning as usual. “I had said yesterday that the bandh would not happen. I have seen it myself — everything is normal and people are moving freely,” he stated.
The strike, called by 10 Central Trade Unions demanding repeal of the four new Labour Codes and withdrawal of certain labour and farm policies, saw Left parties organising picketing in parts of the city. Former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Opposition Leader Jitendra Chaudhury and other CPI(M) leaders joined the protests amid tight security.
However, vehicular movement remained smooth and commercial establishments stayed open, reflecting limited public response.
Launching a sharp attack on the CPI(M), Dr Saha alleged that such shutdown calls no longer resonate with people. He accused the Left of indulging in “old and repetitive tactics” and claimed that during its long rule, several factories were shut, affecting poor families and workers.
The Chief Minister also said the BJP government is focused on inclusive development under the Prime Minister’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.” He highlighted welfare initiatives such as the Vishwakarma Yojana and said special attention is being given to indigenous communities.
Maintaining that people now prioritise stability and development over disruption, Dr Saha said bandh politics has lost relevance in Tripura.
