Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha today accused the previous Left Front government of neglecting the working class and fostering divisions between owners and labourers during its 35-year rule in the state.

He was speaking at a programme organised to unveil the bust of Syama Prasad Mukherjee at the Nagerjala Bus Stand in Agartala.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha said the bus stand had remained in poor condition for years and lacked basic amenities for drivers and passengers. He claimed that after his government assumed office, steps were taken to renovate and improve bus stands across the state. He also mentioned that foundation stones for new bus termini had recently been laid as part of infrastructure development efforts.

Highlighting the contributions of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, the Chief Minister said the late leader devoted his life to national unity. He noted that Mukherjee served as the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, later became a Union Minister, and resigned in protest against the Nehru-Liaquat Pact. In 1951, he founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which he said worked towards strengthening national integration.

Dr. Saha further alleged that ideological politics in the past had created mistrust between vehicle owners and labourers. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and “Sabka Prayas,” he called for unity and collective effort for the development of Tripura and the country.

The Chief Minister stated that the state government has facilitated the creation of 1.08 lakh “Lakhpati Didis,” claiming that 95 per cent of the target has been achieved. He said the initiative aims to empower women not only as income earners but also as entrepreneurs.

Speaking on infrastructure, Dr. Saha said that Tripura earlier had only one national highway, NH-08, and announced that the stretch from Chandrapur to Churaibari would be converted into a four-lane road. He added that the Udaipur road would also be upgraded and that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been completed. Work on the proposed ring road has already begun, he said.

“In the past one year, projects worth around Rs 1,500 crore have been inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid. Our government is committed to transparency and development,” he added.