Former Tripura Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led state government, accusing it of relying heavily on publicity while failing to address the problems faced by ordinary people.

Describing the government’s overall performance as “minus zero”, Sarkar alleged that crores of rupees were being spent on advertisements and publicity campaigns, while the situation on the ground remained very different. According to him, government claims of development do not match the experiences of the common people.

Sarkar also targeted Tipra Motha over its administration of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). He alleged that the party had failed to provide effective governance despite winning 24 seats in the recent election. He further claimed that the party was yet to complete the formation of its executive committee.

The CPI(M) leader also pointed to differences within Tipra Motha, suggesting that internal tensions could weaken the party’s political position further. He claimed that dissatisfaction was also emerging among sections of the grassroots supporters of both Tipra Motha and the BJP.

Taking aim at the reported political understanding between the BJP and Tipra Motha ahead of the ADC elections, Left leaders alleged that the two parties, despite being rivals in previous elections, were now attempting to rebuild their political equation. They claimed that the BJP’s central leadership was also playing a role in the process.

Sarkar said the people of Tripura were closely watching these political developments and would make their own assessment. He criticised what he described as attempts by political leaders to protect their political and economic interests through mutual adjustments.

Highlighting the record of the erstwhile Left Front-run ADC administration, Sarkar claimed that the council had undertaken various initiatives for the people despite having limited constitutional and administrative powers.

The Left leadership alleged that the Tipra Motha-led ADC had failed to live up to public expectations during its tenure. They urged voters to consider the performance of the council while deciding their choice in the upcoming ADC elections.

Sarkar called upon the people to support the Left on issues including education, healthcare, road infrastructure, agriculture and farmers’ welfare, as well as the democratic rights of tribal communities.

The CPI(M) leadership said its appeal to voters was centred on basic issues such as food security, better educational opportunities, improved healthcare facilities, development of roads, protection of agricultural interests and restoration of democratic rights in the tribal areas.