Tripura MP and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb launched a scathing attack on opposition parties on Tuesday, accusing them of engaging in vote bank politics by misleading the Muslim community while favoring only a select few for political gains.

Addressing a public meeting at Sonamura in Sepahijala district, Deb said, “Parties like the Congress, CPI(M), and Samajwadi Party have historically practiced appeasement politics. Leaders such as Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, rather than working for the welfare of the entire Muslim community, empowered a handful of self-serving leaders in the name of secularism.”

Deb’s remarks came during a discussion on ‘One Nation, One Election’ and the Waqf Bill, where he alleged that opposition parties have failed to provide real leadership or direction. 

“Having an army is not enough; you need capable leadership to lead. The BJP has strong and visionary leaders like Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, guiding both the party and the nation towards real development,” he added.

He also alleged that waqf properties—meant for the welfare of the Muslim community—were misused under previous regimes. “Instead of being used to build schools, colleges, or hospitals, waqf properties became tools for political fundraising. Rented out at throwaway prices, these assets were manipulated by political actors for their own gains,” Deb claimed.

Highlighting the BJP’s push for reforms, he said, “When the Waqf Bill was introduced to ensure that ordinary Muslims benefit from these properties, the same vested interests opposed it. They care more about political profits than genuine upliftment.”

Deb further stated that the opposition thrives on confusion and distraction. In contrast, he praised the Modi-led government for its welfare measures for Muslims, citing the abolition of triple talaq as a bold and beneficial move.

“The BJP government has never acted against the emotions or interests of Muslims,” Deb asserted.