Agartala: The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) on Saturday held a press conference here, alleging that tribal communities across the country, including in Tripura, are being systematically deprived of their rights under the BJP-led government, while also flagging growing concerns over drug addiction among youth in the state.
Addressing the media, DYFI General Secretary Himagnaraj Bhattacharya claimed the organisation’s membership had risen from 1 lakh in 2025 to 1,25,698 in 2026, attributing the growth to the outfit’s focus on youth issues. He alleged that tribal people continue to be exploited despite constitutional safeguards, claiming that the BJP refers to them as “janajati” instead of “adivasi” and is allegedly facilitating the transfer of tribal land and forest resources to corporate houses such as Adani and Ambani in the name of development. He further alleged that the party seeks to abolish reservation for tribal communities.
Bhattacharya also alleged that the discontinuation of MGNREGA has disproportionately affected tribal youth, and demanded the scheme’s restoration along with a renewed push for 200 days of guaranteed work. He claimed that some individuals arrested in recent drug-related cases in Tripura had links to the ruling party, and urged youth to join the fight against substance abuse.
DYFI leader Bikash Jha alleged that the BJP and RSS were pursuing “divisive politics” and facilitating the illegal exploitation of forest resources for corporate benefit. Assam DYFI leader Nirankush Nath echoed similar allegations against the BJP.
The press meet was also attended by West Bengal DYFI leader Sonamoni Tudu, West Bengal state secretary Dhrubajyoti Saha, and TYF Central Committee general secretary Kumud Debbarma.