Tripura Elections 2023: BJP manifesto promising greater tribal autonomy

The BJP promised greater autonomy for tribal areas, an increase in farmers' monetary assistance and industry-specific manufacturing zones based on rubber if it returns to power.

Agartala, Feb 09: Bharatiya Janata Party President JP Nadda along with Chief Minister Manik Saha released the party's manifesto for the Tripura Assembly elections.

"When BJP brings out a 'Sankalp Patr', a vision document, it's not only a piece of paper, but also BJP's commitment towards the people," said Nadda.

"Tripura was once known for blockades and insurgency. The state is now known for peace, prosperity, and development," he said.

"13 lakh Ayushman Bharat health cards have been given in Tripura, with Rs 107 crores given in settlement, till now," Nadda added.

In its manifesto, the BJP promised greater autonomy for tribal areas, an increase in farmers' monetary assistance, and industry-specific manufacturing zones based on rubber if it returns to power for the second time in a row in Tripura.

The party also announced a Rs 5 meal scheme for all, named after religious guru Anukul Chandra, and setting up a Regional Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Agartala.

"We will take Tripura on the path of DTH - development, transformation and harmony," Nadda.

The manifesto said that Balika Samridddhi bond of Rs 50,000 will be given to every girl child while the tribal language Kokborok will become subjects in CBSE and ICSE curricula.

"We will set up industry-specific manufacturing zones based on rubber, Agar and bamboo. The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi of Rs 6,000 will be raised with the state government providing Rs 2,000 more," Nadda said.

Tripura will go to polls on February 16. A total of 259 candidates will contest the polls for which the counting of votes will take place on March 2. BJP has the highest number of candidates in the fray - 55.

CPM has 43 candidates, followed by TIPRA Motha with 42, Trinamool Congress (TMC) 28, Congress 13, BJP ally IPFT 6, and CPI, RSP, and Forward Bloc fielding one candidate each.