Ex-CM accuses BJP of divisive politics to mask hide core issues

Former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Saturday criticized the ruling BJP, accusing it of fostering divisions among Hindus, Muslims, Tribals, and Non-Tribals to divert attention from pressing issues such as rising prices, unemployment, and economic hardships.

Speaking at a blood donation camp he inaugurated in Agartala, Sarkar highlighted the need for more robust efforts by the state government to encourage youth participation in blood donation drives. “While some initiatives have been taken, they remain confined to occasional events. The government must go beyond this and engage clubs, organizations, and communities to actively contribute to such causes,” he said.

Sarkar, a CPIM Politburo member, also addressed recent communal tensions following the vandalization of idols across the state. He called for stricter government action to prevent such incidents, saying, “If the government is resolute, no one will dare to instigate divisions based on religion and caste. Legal action must be taken against those responsible. Dialogue alone is insufficient—concrete steps are necessary.”

He accused political forces of deliberately creating rifts among communities to distract the public from critical issues. “Divisions between Hindus and Muslims are being orchestrated to shift focus from the rising prices of essential commodities, the weakening of the Indian currency, unemployment, and the declining purchasing power of common people,” Sarkar alleged.

Expressing concern over a resurgence of tensions between Tribals and Non-Tribals, Sarkar said, “Such divisions had been curbed earlier, but they are reemerging in a different form. This is unacceptable. The government knows which organizations are behind these activities. It must act decisively and initiate dialogue to put an end to this trend. These problems were not prevalent before but are now on the rise, and we strongly condemn these actions.”

The former Chief Minister urged the state government to prioritize unity and address the real challenges facing the people instead of allowing divisive politics to prevail.