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Modi’s address in Sonamura near Agartala on 8th February was highly anticipated. He urged the people against the Left rule in Tripura, calling it an ‘era of darkness’. The speech was delivered as a promise to put Tripura on the fast track to development.
Promising a ‘HIRA’ government
He compared the ‘manik’ (gemstone) government with ‘HIRA'(diamond) governance of BJP. He told the people that Tripura was still awaiting its ‘acche din’. Modi also mentioned that this was because they were wearing the wrong gemstone. While he spoke about the HIRA Sarkar, it stands for Highways, I-way, Railways and Airways. The speech was geared against the Left government ruling in Tripura.
He said that BJP could come through victorious by Transformation through Transportation. The prime minister promised Tripura better access by road to rest of India. He also said that without Tripura’s development, the country would remain undeveloped. Modi said that the people of Tripura were living in fear. He questioned whether the farmers and the workers in Tripura really had rights or not. The communists had ruled for more than 25 years but their rule didn’t result in much. Under BJP rule, Modi promised digitisation and transparency. Modi also made mention of the three Ts strategy, which stands for Trade, Tourism and Training.
He assured, “This election is not being fought by BJP. This election is not even being fought by its allies like IPFT. It is being fought by the people of Tripura. The youth are fighting this election to ensure they have jobs.”
In the run-up to the polls
The assembly elections in Tripura are just around the corner. They will be held on February 18th. Modi in Tripura raised the slogan “Cholo Paltai!” (Let’s change). The slogan promises a newer and much brighter future for Tripura. Tripura would be a good road into the North-east of India. But their main competition is the Communist Party who have stood ground in Tripura since 1988. While Modi might have rocked the boat, the fruits are yet to be seen during the elections. Modi will be back in Agartala to deliver another address on the 15th of February.