Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said that the state government will not tolerate any kind of threat, pressure or intimidation against any person or political organisation while moving to any part of the state or attending a public programme. The Chief Minister made this remark while addressing a party programme at Barkathal, where he spoke about reports claiming that certain groups were trying to prevent BJP leaders from entering the area.
Saha said that every citizen and every political party has the right to visit any part of Tripura and organise a programme peacefully. He pointed out that Tripura is a democratic state and no organisation or group has the authority to stop anyone from taking part in lawful political activities. According to him, it is important for political activities to take place freely because this is part of democratic practice and governance.
The Chief Minister referred to allegations that threats were issued in connection with BJP programmes in Barkathal. He stated that he had been informed about messages circulating that BJP leaders, including the Chief Minister himself and other senior leaders, would not be allowed to enter the area. Without naming anyone, he stressed that the government would take a serious view of such actions if they attempted to restrict democratic movement and political participation. 
Saha said, “I heard threats were given not to hold any programme of the BJP. The CM, Tribal Welfare minister and BJP leaders will not be allowed to enter Barkathal area to participate in any programme. I want to say this area is nobody’s personal property.” He added that Tripura belongs to everyone and that political programmes have been held across the state for many years without such restrictions.
During his address, the Chief Minister also appealed to party workers and supporters not to respond to provocation and to maintain peace and discipline. He said that the government wants peaceful political activity and that the administration is committed to ensuring that political parties can function without fear. Saha emphasised that democracy gives the right to every group to express its views, but it does not give anyone the right to stop others from exercising the same democratic rights.
The Chief Minister further said that development activities should not suffer because of political differences. He said that Tripura has made progress in various sectors and that government programmes are being taken to different regions to ensure that the benefits reach all communities. According to Saha, people should look at development, welfare measures and public issues rather than trying to prevent political workers from visiting certain places.
He also said that the government has been working on several initiatives in the tribal areas, including infrastructure, education and welfare projects. He said that these programmes will continue and that no obstruction will be accepted. “Development is for everyone,” he said, adding that Tripura needs cooperation from all sections of the society for overall progress.
Saha said that the state administration would take appropriate measures if anyone tried to create disturbances during public events or political programmes. He said that law and order will be maintained strictly because the state must not allow activities that create insecurity among citizens. The Chief Minister also requested community leaders and residents to support peaceful democratic events wherever they take place.
