Former Tripura Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar today strongly criticised the BJP and Tipra Motha ahead of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, dismissing their claims of winning all 28 seats in the council.

Sarkar said such claims would prove false if voters are allowed to exercise their franchise freely and without fear.

“If the BJP says it will win all 28 seats and Tipra Motha also claims the same, then there should be 56 seats in the District Council. Unfortunately, there are only 28,” he remarked, taking a swipe at both parties.

The CPI(M) leader recalled the 2019 ADC elections, alleging that the polls were marred by violence and intimidation. “That election was not about voting. There were massive attacks on CPI(M) workers and candidates. If we are able to reach the people and they can cast their votes properly, then the prediction of winning all 28 seats will definitely go wrong,” Sarkar said.

He added that the election outcome would largely depend on whether people are able to vote freely. “Everything now depends on whether the public can exercise their democratic rights without pressure,” he stated.

Appealing to voters, Sarkar urged them to use their franchise to counter what he described as “fascist-like behaviour”. “If people want to come out of this situation, they must use their voting rights properly,” he said.

Commenting on the Union Budget, the former chief minister accused the BJP-led government of favouring corporate interests. “This is a budget for corporate houses — for those who loot, exploit, and deceive the poor and working class. Expecting anything different from the BJP is meaningless. The party is gradually exposing its real face, and everything is becoming crystal clear,” Sarkar added.