JOIN USTripura polls: Left manifesto promises 2.5 lakh new jobs, old pension scheme
In poll-bound Tripura, the left front led by CPI (M), on Friday, promised to create 2.5 lakh jobs in five years, restore the old pension policy, bring jobs to 10,323 "sacked" teachers, ensure 200 days of work in a year under the NREGA, bring a regular hike in DA for government employees to cater to rise in prices, besides others.
The left front also promised to fight for "maximum autonomy" for the tribal autonomous council without dividing Tripura, if it comes back to power after the Assembly elections on February 16.
"We are in favour of maximum autonomy to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) under the ambit of our Constitution and keeping the geographical boundary of Tripura intact. After coming to power, the Assembly will pass a resolution and press the Centre for a Constitutional amendment for maximum autonomy to the council to push for the empowerment and welfare of the tribals. We will keep fighting for the same," left front convenor Narayan Kar told reporters at Agartala while releasing the manifesto on Friday.
The left was in power for 25 years in Tripura till 2018 when BJP and its ally IPFT formed their government for the first time.
The promise of "maximum autonomy" assumes significance given the fact that Tipra Motha, a forum of regional parties, refused to forge an alliance with the Opposition CPI (M)-Congress and the ruling BJP without a written assurance on its demand for "Greater Tipraland" state. Motha has fielded 42 candidates (out of 60) with "Greater Tipraland" as its main poll plank. CPI (M) and Congress entered into a seat-sharing arrangement for the first time in Tripura and invited Tipra Motha to join them for an "anti-BJP front."
The "Greater Tipraland" comprises areas under the TTAADC and the indigenous people living in the rest of Tripura, Assam, Mizoram and neighbouring Bangladesh.
As per the seat-sharing arrangement, CPI (M) is contesting in 43 seats and Congress in 13. The remaining four seats have been given to other allies of the left and an Independent candidate.
BJP on the other hand is contesting 55 seats and its ally IPFT in the remaining five.
The 15-page manifesto also promised job opportunities for women, paying electricity bills up to 50 units, regularisation of services of contractual employees, scrutiny of the chit fund firms, an AIIMS-like hospital, and free irrigation, among others.
"BJP did not fulfil the promises they made to the people before coming to power five years ago. But we will implement all the promises we have made today," CPI (M) leader Jitendra Choudhury said. Choudhury, a tribal leader has become the most prominent face in the left camp after veteran left leader and former CM Manik Sarkar decided not to contest polls anymore.