Tripura CM Manik Saha: Road blockades won't win Opposition support

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday, October 23, accused the Opposition of losing public confidence and said protests and road blockades would not bring it public support, India Today NE reported.

'Focused on returning to power'

Speaking to reporters, Saha alleged that Opposition leaders were more interested in getting back to power than in addressing people's concerns. He said they had failed to connect with the public through constructive work and were relying on rhetoric, misinformation and alliances.

He said the spread of social media had made people more aware of political developments and better able to tell facts from misleading claims. He also accused some political forces of trying to destabilise the country and criticised the Opposition for its association with parties he alleged were pursuing divisive agendas.

Central forces for civic polls

On the Opposition's demand for central security forces during the upcoming urban local body elections, Saha said the state government had no direct role in such decisions.

"Whenever elections are held, the matter comes under the State Election Commission. I have no interference in it," he said, adding that anyone seeking extra security should approach the Commission.

He said he had asked the Director General of Police to coordinate with the authorities concerned if required, and that deployment should depend on the situation on the ground and the needs of the election.

Village committee polls

Referring to the recent village committee elections, the Chief Minister said they had been held smoothly and the results accepted.

"If they think that the people of Tripura are with them simply because they block roads, they are living in a fool's paradise," he said.

Saha urged Opposition leaders to rethink their approach, saying sustained engagement with the public, accountability and constructive work were the way to earn lasting support.

Context

The remarks come as parties prepare for Tripura's urban local body elections. The Opposition's response to the Chief Minister's comments was not included in the report.