Former Tripura Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb on Sunday took a swipe at the opposition CPI(M), suggesting that the party’s leaders should start listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program to overcome their confusions.

Speaking to reporters in Agartala after tuning into the 124th episode of the radio broadcast, Deb said, “The CPI(M) should be the first to listen to Mann Ki Baat. They don’t work. They exploited people by turning them into cadres without any responsibilities. When someone neither works nor takes initiative, can they really be called human?”

Deb argued that listening to Mann Ki Baat would not only benefit CPI(M) leaders but also their families. “This program is for everyone, irrespective of caste or religion. It raises awareness on many vital issues. Even the opposition can benefit if they listen with an open mind,” he said.

Citing an example from Gumla, Jharkhand, Deb said a former Naxalite who once engaged in armed rebellion had turned to fisheries, improving the lives of 150 families who earlier supported the insurgency. “The final form of communism is Naxalism,” he asserted.

When asked about Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma’s recent demand for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Deb distanced himself from the issue. 

“This is Pradyot’s and his party’s viewpoint. I have nothing to say on that,” he said.

Deb clarified that SIR is being implemented in Bihar under the supervision of the Election Commission of India (ECI), not the BJP. “The ECI is handling it, not Parliament. So, I don’t understand why the Congress and others are creating a ruckus in Parliament. Parliament is not responsible for SIR,” he added.

He further stated that only Indian citizens have the right to vote. “People coming from Bangladesh or Pakistan and casting votes—this is simply not possible. Only genuine Indian citizens can vote. Why should illegal entrants be allowed to vote?” he asked.