Agartala, April 02, 2026: Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Thursday accused the Tipra Motha Party (TMP)-controlled tribal council of siphoning off funds meant for development and failing to properly utilise crores of rupees sanctioned by the state government for projects in tribal areas.

Addressing an election rally ahead of the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council election 2026, the Chief Minister said the state government had sanctioned 28 development projects worth Rs 200 crore for the tribal council over the past three years, apart from regular budgetary allocations.

“Out of Rs 200 crore, Rs 112 crore has already been released to the TMP-controlled tribal council, but no utilisation certificate has been submitted yet. You all know where the funds are going,” he alleged.

The Chief Minister further claimed that Rs 30 crore had been allocated for setting up a modern hospital at Khumulwng in West Tripura, followed by an additional Rs 10 crore for the same project. However, he alleged that despite the financial support, the hospital has not yet been established.

“But the tribal council has failed to set up the hospital yet. It is evident that the TMP-controlled tribal council is misusing public funds at their will,” he said.

Urging voters to support the BJP in the upcoming elections, Saha also highlighted his government’s initiatives for the welfare of indigenous communities. He stated that nearly 40 per cent of the state budget is being spent on tribal welfare.

“The state had only four Eklavya Model Residential Schools before the BJP came to power in 2018. At present, 12 EMRS are functioning and nine more are in the pipeline,” he added.

Polling for 28 seats of the tribal council will be held on April 12, while counting is scheduled for April 17.