Former Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Sarkar, did not hold back in his criticism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a recent public address at a blood donation camp in Agartala on August 30. Sarkar accused the BJP of resorting to “vote tactics” to maintain power while causing chaos and anarchy throughout the country and particularly in Tripura.
Sarkar pointed fingers at the BJP, which he claimed is under the control of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), for engaging in what he called “anti-people activities” for the past 11 years. He alleged that the BJP has targeted various sections of society including workers, daily wage earners, farmers, minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Hindus, and Muslims.
The former Chief Minister did not mince words when he stated, “Anarchy has been created in the entire Tripura. This is not BJP’s strength but its weakness being exposed before the people.” Sarkar also highlighted the BJP’s failure to secure a majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, despite their initial claim of achieving 400 seats. He pointed out that the BJP only managed to secure 240 seats and had to rely on alliances to form the government.
Sarkar also brought attention to the recent controversy surrounding the exclusion of around 65 lakh names from Bihar’s draft voter list during the Special Intensified Revision (SIR). He alleged that the majority of those left out belonged to marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Muslims, and other minorities. Sarkar accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate democracy by controlling voter lists and suppressing opposition voices in Parliament and state assemblies.
In his impassioned speech, Sarkar called on the people to resist what he described as the BJP’s “authoritarian tactics” and to stand firm in their commitment to supporting the struggles of the working class and marginalized communities. The former Chief Minister’s words serve as a rallying cry for those who oppose the BJP’s alleged divisive and oppressive tactics.
