The Union minister said that the people of the state did not vote for change for the past 25 years
Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said the people of Tripura were to be blamed for the state's "backwardness" as they did not vote for a change in the last 25 years.
Gadkari addressed three public rallies in Gomati and West Tripura districts of the state today.
"I will not hold Chief Minister Manik Sarkar or his cabinet colleagues responsible for your backwardness. Rather, I will hold you responsible, because you did not change the government in 25 years," he said at one of those rallies in Gomati district.
Tripura is set to go to the polls on February 18 and the results will be declared on March 3.
The poor condition of roads, education and the healthcare system across the state were a proof that the Left Front government had not done anything for the welfare of the state, the Union minister for road transport, highways and shipping said.
"There are hospitals here, but no doctors. You will find schools, but no teachers. There is not a single good industry in the state and the issue of employment generation remains neglected," he added.
The natural resources available in the north-eastern state, such as bamboo and rubber, were not used for its development and the "Left hooliganism" had destroyed industrial prospects, Gadkari alleged.
"If voted to power, the BJP will take initiatives to bring investments to the state and generate jobs for the youth," he added.
Earlier, BJP President Amit Shah asked the people to oust Tripura's 'Lal bhai' government, as he accused the Left cadres of pocketing public funds meant for development and promised to make the state a model one if his party is voted to power.
With the BJP being seen as putting up a strong challenge to the 25-year-old uninterrupted Left reign in the state, Shah led an eight-kilometre road show and addressed rallies in which he sought votes for the state's "transformation".
Ahead of the Assembly polls to be held next Sunday, Shah made a host of promises to the people of the state, including smart phones for youths, implementation of the seventh pay commission for government employees from the next day of his party being voted to power and action against chit fund scam accused.
Without naming Rahul Gandhi, he alleged that the Congress chief had put up candidates as 'vote-katva' (cutting into others' votes) to help the CPI(M) government headed by Chief Minister Manik Sarkar to come back to power.
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 "Amit Shah addresses a rally in Tripura. (Right) Nitin Gadkari")
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