He recently became the Chief Minister of Tripura, replacing the controversial Biplab Deb, and is entering the first real electoral battle of his life. Dr. Manik Sah Going to contest by-election from Bardowali assembly seat on June 23.
Amidst his hectic campaigning schedule, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Rajya Sabha member spoke to News18 in an exclusive interview. He said that he is used to facing new challenges, expressed confidence of winning this month by-election And in next year’s assembly elections, vowed to keep the promises made to the people, saying that the Trinamool Congress has no base in Tripura. Edited excerpt:
How does it feel to contest for the first time?
Of course this is a new feeling, and I am going from house to house, reaching door to door. I have never had this experience, but everyone in this constituency knows me. My old friends are coming, hugging me. It sounds great and I am enjoying it. The people of Bardowali know me since childhood. The party has given me the responsibility of forming the organization. I have always been with people and I am sure people will vote for me. People are supporting me, honorable Prime Minister and our party BJP.
What is it like to take such responsibility before the exam? You are in this post after Biplab Deb and elections will be held next year.
Life is a challenge and it gives challenges. This is also a challenge for me and I will work hard. I am aware of my responsibility. When I was given the responsibility of party president, I never thought about it. When I was made an MP, I never thought about it. I just got the responsibility and I did the job. I feel that I am capable and my party people are supporting me a lot.
Critics say that Biplab Deb did not fulfill his promises, he was unpopular and that is why the change took place. How will you keep those promises?
He is not unpopular, he is very popular, more popular than me. It happens in our party that the party decides who will do what. Now he has given me this role. Maybe there is a more important role for him. Maybe I will be given some other charge. It’s like a train and the driver has been replaced; It’s like a plane and the pilot has been changed. But the destination will be the same.
Critics say you promised the job and you didn’t give it to them. How would you answer people?
Look, I’ve just taken over. Let the elections be over and I promise that all these problems will be resolved. Me and my cabinet colleagues will sort it all out. Next time you talk to me, you will see that all the problems are resolved.
What is the status of TMC in Tripura? They allege that you do not allow any protest. that you resort to violence. That you have stopped Abhishek Banerjee.
They shouldn’t say all this. They themselves have so many flaws and they are pointing towards us. What happens in Bengal? Actually they have no base in Tripura. They come here to create Bengal like situation. Nobody believes in them. They are coming for 6 percent votes and want to spread all this through the media all over India. I think they will not succeed.
Last time Abhishek Banerjee was attacked and he was stopped from going to a rally. What will happen if they come this time?
Anyone can come here. This is a democracy. I have told my workers not to get into any scuffle. I have also told the administration that in a democratic system, everyone is allowed to do whatever is democratic.
Will you tie up with Pradyot Manikya Deb Burman?
I can’t say anything about this right now. The party will take a stand on this before the elections.
How do you rate the Congress and the Left?
The Left is our main opposition. In these by-polls, Congress will oppose us on one seat, but they are not strong. I don’t take TMC seriously because they have nothing and people don’t trust them at all.
Will there be violence free bypolls? The last time there was violence in the municipal elections.
We have instructed our party workers not to get into any scuffle. Instructions have also been given to the administration. I believe it will be peaceful.
TMC alleges that their meeting was attacked on Monday night.
We are paying attention to every issue so that there is no violence.
Why would people vote for you?
From 2018 till the recent local body elections, we have worked everywhere. So I am sure people will vote for us. For the first time or every time I had an operation, it was a challenge. It is also a challenge and I know we can do it.
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