Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today launched a sharp attack on the opposition, accusing them of failing to acknowledge and “digest” the rapid development taking place across the state.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Pond Revival and Beautification Project in Ward No. 43 of Pratapgarh Rishi Colony under the Agartala Municipal Corporation, the Chief Minister asserted that the present government has no agenda other than development for the common people.

“There is no talk except development for the common people. But the opposition refuses to see the progress Tripura has made,” Dr. Saha said, alleging that critics are deliberately ignoring visible improvements across the state.

He noted that the foundation stone of the pond project was laid in March 2024 and that the work was completed within the stipulated timeframe, calling it an example of the government’s commitment to timely implementation.

Referring to the recent visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Agartala, Dr. Saha said nearly 3,000 representatives from across the country attended a programme aimed at promoting Hindi and respecting local languages. According to him, the delegates expressed appreciation for Tripura’s development, reinforcing his claim that Agartala has emerged as the “Gateway of Tripura.”

The Chief Minister also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Act East Policy for accelerating growth in the North Eastern region, including Tripura. He highlighted the construction of Amrit Sarovars as part of a nationwide initiative, stating that around 682 such water bodies have already been developed in Tripura to help maintain groundwater levels.

Launching a scathing critique, Dr. Saha accused the opposition of metaphorically “wearing black glasses” to avoid seeing development. “They behave as if they have cataracts in their eyes and need surgery,” he remarked, claiming that projects worth over Rs. 1,300 crore have been inaugurated or had foundation stones laid in the past year alone.

He further attacked the previous communist regime, alleging that it thrived on keeping people poor and uneducated. In contrast, he said, the current government is focused on education, socio-economic growth, and women’s empowerment.

Highlighting the Centre’s Lakhpati Didi initiative, Dr. Saha said the state has set a target of creating 1,18,000 Lakhpati Didis and has already achieved 95 percent of that goal by creating 1,08,000 beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister also pointed to ongoing infrastructure upgrades in Agartala, including work on the Eastern Ring Road and the proposed Western Ring Road, which he said would significantly ease traffic congestion once completed.

Reiterating his stance, Dr. Saha said the government remains steadfast in its development agenda despite criticism. “Development must reach the last person in society. That is our commitment,” he said, accusing the opposition of being unable to accept the pace of progress under the present administration.