Tripura Polls: Extremism, Separatism Have Almost Ended In Northeast Under BJP, Says Rajnath Singh

Tripura Election: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh trained his guns on CPI(M), alleging that the party exploited the people of Tripura for years.

Asserting that the face of Tripura changed after the BJP came to power, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said extremism and separatism have almost ended not only in the state but the entire northeast, ANI reported. Singh alleged that the CPI(M) exploited the people of Tripura for years.

Addressing an election rally in west Tripura, Singh said, "Wonderful work has happened in Tripura in the last five years. Today, not only in Tripura but in the entire Northeast, extremism and separatism have almost ended. Peace is established here."

The Union Minister said Tripura was "literally running" towards economic development.

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"The entire Northeast is witnessing rapid development with the help of the internet. Tripura is literally running towards economic development," PTI quoted Singh as saying.

"The CPI(M) used to claim itself as the saviour of the poor but they are the ones who exploited the poor people for years. They did nothing for the poor. The face of the state changed after the BJP came to power. It is the people who made the BJP hero from zero," the Defence Minister further said.

Tripura goes to polls on February 16. Votes for the 60-seat assembly will be counted on March 2. Rajnath Singh arrived on a two-day visit to Tripura on Monday. 

Speaking at the rally, which was also attended by former chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb, Singh said the BJP brought development to the state which was plagued by poor infrastructure during the CPI(M)'s rule.

"Now, electricity, water connections and roads are available as the BJP government is taking all possible steps to speed up development. The CPI(M)-led government did not respect women, but during BJP rule, they are getting respect and benefits," he said.

Singh also claimed that violence had "stopped" in Tripura. "Under Narendra Modi's leadership, the country has become stronger, and the world wants to listen to what India says," Rajnath Singh said.

He urged the people to vote for the BJP in the upcoming assembly elections to continue the development of the state.