Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition, alleging that it was indulging in politics aimed at confusing and misleading the people rather than addressing public issues.

Addressing a massive public meeting organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party's 4-Barjala Mandal, the Chief Minister said the Opposition lacked the basic understanding of constructive politics and was attempting to create divisions ahead of the upcoming Village Committee (VC) elections.

"We have several elections ahead, beginning with the Village Committee elections, which we will contest as part of the NDA alliance. However, for some time now, efforts have been made to create a divide-and-rule situation," Dr Saha said.

Recalling the Left Front's tenure in the state, he said people still remembered how the CPI(M) came to power in 1978 and ruled Tripura for 35 years.

"During that period, red flags and red signals dominated everywhere, both in Tripura and West Bengal. The people of the state witnessed a very difficult and dangerous phase," he said.

Referring particularly to the Barjala area, the Chief Minister alleged that certain elements were still engaged in conspiracies to regain political power.

"I have information that some people are still hatching conspiracies. They may be preparing their own lists, but we have already prepared ours. The people have rejected them and will never accept them again. They continue to think with the mindset of 1978 and are trying various methods to return to power," he claimed.

Dr Saha also criticised the Congress-CPI(M) alliance, accusing both parties of joining hands solely for political power.

"They are interested only in occupying the chair. During the last Assembly elections, CPI(M) flags were seen at Congress offices and Congress flags at CPI(M) offices. BJP is a party where politics cannot be practised by following the Congress model," he said.

Highlighting the BJP's organisational strength, Dr. Saha described it as the largest political party in India and the world, adding that its support base continued to expand.

Looking ahead to the forthcoming civic polls, including elections to the Agartala Municipal Corporation and Nagar Panchayats, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that the BJP would repeat its previous electoral success.

"We had won all 20 seats last time, and we are confident of repeating the same performance. People support leaders whom they trust and believe in. Politics cannot be sustained through muscle power; it must be based on service to the people," he said.

Listing the welfare initiatives of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the state, Dr. Saha said schemes providing drinking water, housing, free food grains and LPG connections had directly benefited the people.

"People are blessing Prime Minister Narendra Modi because he is committed to development and the welfare of the people. India has now become the world's fourth-largest economy, and our state government is also working tirelessly for the welfare of the common people," he added.