Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha launched a sharp attack on opposition parties CPI(M) and Trinamool Congress (TMC), claiming their political presence in the state is now limited to “social media activism” and “virtual fantasies”. Speaking to reporters in Agartala on October 11, 2025, Saha said both parties have “lost touch with the people” and are “imagining victories from the comfort of their homes.” His remarks come amid rising political tensions following alleged vandalism at the TMC state office and a visit by a six-member delegation from West Bengal.
Saha accused the opposition of “provocation without public support”, asserting that the BJP-led government remains firmly rooted in ground-level governance and public outreach. He also described TMC as a “signboard party” in Tripura, suggesting its presence is symbolic rather than substantive.
🧠 Key Highlights from Manik Saha’s Statement
| Opposition Party | CM’s Remarks Summary |
|---|---|
| CPI(M) | “Disconnected from people, living in digital delusion” |
| TMC | “Reduced to signboard politics, no real presence” |
| Political Strategy | “They provoke, we perform” |
| Governance Focus | “BJP engages with citizens, not just online” |
Saha’s comments reflect BJP’s strategy to position itself as the only party with grassroots credibility ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
📊 Timeline of Political Developments in Tripura
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| Oct 7, 2025 | Alleged vandalism at TMC office in Agartala |
| Oct 9, 2025 | TMC delegation files FIR, meets local officials |
| Oct 10, 2025 | CPI(M issues statement condemning BJP |
| Oct 11, 2025 | CM Manik Saha addresses media, criticizes opposition |
The TMC delegation’s visit was described by Saha as an “attempt to provoke unrest”, which he claimed failed due to lack of public resonance.
🗣️ Reactions from Political and Civil Circles
- TMC Spokesperson: “We are expanding in Tripura. CM’s remarks show nervousness.”
- CPI(M) Leader Jitendra Choudhury: “BJP is afraid of democratic resurgence.”
- Congress (Tripura unit): “All parties must be allowed to operate freely.”
- Public Sentiment: Mixed, with many echoing concerns about online-only politics.
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| BJP Supporters | Applaud CM’s ground-focused leadership |
| Opposition Parties | Reject claims, cite growing outreach |
| Civil Society | Call for issue-based politics |
| Media Analysts | Note shift toward digital campaigning |
The debate has reignited discussions on the role of social media vs fieldwork in regional politics.
🧾 Comparative Presence of Major Parties in Tripura
| Party Name | Offline Presence | Online Engagement | Electoral Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| BJP | High | Moderate | Dominant |
| CPI(M) | Moderate | High | Declining |
| TMC | Low | High | Emerging |
| Congress | Low | Low | Marginal |
While CPI(M) retains some cadre strength, TMC’s digital push has yet to translate into electoral gains.
🧭 Strategic Implications Ahead of 2026 Elections
- BJP: Will likely double down on door-to-door campaigns, welfare schemes, and local engagement.
- CPI(M): May need to revive grassroots cadre networks to regain relevance.
- TMC: Faces challenge of converting online visibility into voter trust.
- Congress: Struggles to find a foothold amid polarized politics.
Saha’s remarks are part of a broader narrative that seeks to delegitimize opposition efforts and reinforce BJP’s dominance in Tripura.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified political statements, media reports, and public briefings as of October 12, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute political endorsement, legal opinion, or electoral prediction and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
