AGARTALA, Jan 23 � Virtually downplaying the contributions of non-Left Governments, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar today claimed development has started taking place in the State only when the Left Front Government came to power in 1978.
But he said it was not true that development has not taken place before 1972.
�There was no comprehensive plan for all round development before 1972. In fact, a roadmap for prosperity began after the Left Front came to power way back in 1978. The government has started its journey after adopting some landmark and historic decisions and these include formation of TTAADC and recognition of Kokborok language�, he said while speaking at a programme to mark the Statehood Day at UK Ground here on Thursday.
Asserting that peace is the pre-condition of overall prosperity, Sarkar said the Left Front Government had targeted to bring peace after effectively tackling terrorism. �After a bloodshed spanning over decade, peace has been brought and this should be protected at any cost�, he said.
Though there are poor people in the State, no mother sells her children due to poverty, he said, adding that the government is yet to score cent per cent achievement in different fields like poverty eradication, setting up of schools, providing electricity to human habitations, extension of irrigation, providing land and house to all the landless and homeless people.
�We have to bring more successes in different sectors. Besides, we are identifying the real landless people to provide them shelter. There are still many people who do not have a shed above his head. We are yet to give them houses. In such sectors, we are still lagging behind,� the Chief Minister said.
Later, seeking cooperation from all sections of people, Sarkar said, �If we are lacking in implementation of any developmental work for the people, you (people) are welcome to identify our loopholes and attract our attention. We will surely rectify our loopholes.�
School Education Minister Tapan Chakraborty presided over the programme.
