IANS Interview: Tripura CM confident of PM Modi’s third term, not underestimating INDIA bloc

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has expressed confidence that Narendra Modi will become Prime Minister for a third term. He also foresees the BJP easily winning the two Lok Sabha seats in Tripura, but acknowledges the challenge posed by the INDIA bloc.

Saha, a former state BJP president, emphasized that the party is not complacent and is focused on increasing victory margins. Despite acknowledging the remaining bases of Left parties in Tripura, he highlighted the BJP’s efforts to improve performance in assembly segments where they faced losses in the last year’s polls.

Tripura has two Lok Sabha seats and 60 assembly constituencies. In the previous assembly polls, BJP won 32 seats, while its ally secured one. The Chief Minister highlighted the developmental agreements signed by the Modi government in the northeast, including one with the tribal-based Tipra Motha Party (TMP).

Following the agreement with TMP, the party joined the BJP government, and its members became ministers. Saha emphasized that the BJP’s tribal wing will continue activities in tribal areas with a focus on their own policies and strategies. He also mentioned the fulfillment of promises by the Modi government on various national issues.

Saha criticized the CPI-M and Congress, stating they lacked moral authority on democracy. He questioned the credibility of the INDIA bloc and emphasized the BJP’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people. The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Tripura will be closely watched, with the main contest expected between the BJP and the INDIA bloc.