CLASHES before elections and camaraderie after-such infighting among ruling parties aims to divert public attention and capture the ADC, alleged CPI(M) Politburo member Jitendra Chaudhury. He was addressing a spirited rally on Monday in the Manu-Chailengta constituency in support of the Left Front candidate. Earlier, despite heavy rain, he also addressed a meeting in the Halhuli-Asharambari constituency.

Welcoming educated youth into politics, the Leader of the Opposition urged the younger generation to vote with an understanding of Tipra Motha's past and present, its political predecessors, and the BJP's anti-tribal stance.

Katalutma's Sabadhan Para, near Pagla Bazaar, is a small marketplace nestled in the valleys of the Atharamura hills. The Halhuli-Asharambari ADC seat straddles the hills, connecting Khowai on one side and parts of Kamalpur subdivision on the other. Militancy once stalled development here until the Left Front government countered it and brought progress-evident in stretches of paved rural roads that have since fallen into disrepair after the change in government.

During the 2021 ADC elections, Chaudhury and other Left leaders, including Anjan Das, were reportedly blocked from entering the area by Tipra Motha supporters. That year, Ananta Debbarma won the seat on a Tipra Motha ticket; this time, he is contesting as a BJP candidate. After five years as an ADC minister, his switch has not gone down well with the public. Residents of Sabadhan Para appear cautious, but the large turnout at CPI(M) youth candidate Karim Debbarma’s rally signaled growing support for the Left.

The meeting was chaired by Anil Debbarma and addressed by Dhalai district secretary Anjan Das, Ambassa subdivisional secretary Bidyut Debbarma, and party leaders Tapas Singh and Krishna Debbarma.

Chaudhury said it is encouraging to see educated young people entering politics, most of whom aspire for the state's development, socio-economic progress of tribal communities, and preservation of their language and culture. However, he alleged that their emotions and trust have been misused by Tipra Motha and its predecessors through slogans like "Independent Tripura," "Independent Northeast," "Tipraland," and "Greater Tipraland"-which he described as unrealistic.

He warned that the upcoming ADC elections are a crucial turning point, and any misstep or impractical decision could have long-term consequences for the community, the state, and even the country.

Referring to the 1980s, he recalled that TUJS had raised slogans for tribal unity, but the first three decades after independence saw severe neglect of tribal socio-economic development under Congress rule, leading to starvation deaths-especially in Dhalai district. He claimed insurgent groups like TNV did not intervene during those hardships. According to him, significant progress came only after the Left Front took power, with the establishment of ADC institutions, recognition of tribal languages, and development of schools, colleges, roads, electricity, drinking water, and healthcare.

He further alleged that extremist groups like NLFT and ATTF later tried to derail this progress, and that past slogans of tribal unity are linked to present-day demands like Tipraland and Greater Tipraland.

Chaudhury criticized the ruling alliance, saying that while its constituents fight violently during ADC elections, there is no guarantee they will not unite again afterward. Despite contesting separately, they remain in government together and do not speak out against the BJP's alleged anti-tribal policies. He accused the BJP of failing to pass the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill to empower ADCs, include Kokborok in the Eighth Schedule, or hold village committee elections.

Despite heavy rain, the afternoon rally in Machhli saw large participation, with processions arriving from different directions-a significant increase compared to the 2021 elections. Meanwhile, internal conflicts within the BJP surfaced after confusion over candidate selection in the Manu–Chailengta constituency led to clashes between two factions at the party's Mandal office in Monughat.

At the rally, several families, including those of Aniram Reang and Birendra Reang from Demchhara, announced their departure from Tipra Motha and joined the Left movement, receiving a warm welcome from Chaudhury.

He also criticized the "triple-engine" development model, questioning why the ADC is not functioning effectively. He alleged that while Tipra Motha claims a lack of funds, it is part of the state government alongside the BJP, with two ministers in the cabinet. He further accused ADC leaders of misusing public funds for foreign trips, luxury vehicles, and lavish lifestyles.

Women's participation at the rally was notable. CPI(M) youth candidate Rahul Das has been actively campaigning in the constituency. State committee member Himanshu Deb urged voters to counter nepotism and corruption through the ballot. Other leaders highlighted the benefits of rubber plantations introduced during Left rule and criticized the government for not holding village committee elections in the past eight years.

Several leaders, including Nirod Saha, Chintamohan Tripura, and Nagendra Das, addressed the gathering. District leaders Anjan Das, Nityagopal Pal, and Swapan Barua were present, while Mithunjoy Reang and Nagendra Das were part of the presidium.