The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) on Saturday claimed a significant rise in its membership and accused the BJP-led governments of undermining tribal rights, promoting divisive politics, and failing to address unemployment and other issues affecting young people.
Addressing a press conference, DYFI General Secretary Himaghnaraj Bhattacharya at Chhatra Yuba Bhavan in Agartala said the organisation’s membership in Tripura has increased from around one lakh in 2025 to 1, 25,698 in 2026. He attributed the growth to the organization’s continued engagement with issues affecting the youth.
Bhattacharya alleged that tribal communities, despite being guaranteed constitutional rights, continue to face historical marginalization and exploitation. He claimed that instead of protecting tribal rights, governments are facilitating the transfer of tribal land, forests, and natural resources to large corporate houses in the name of development.
He further alleged that the BJP intends to weaken the reservation system and is working in the interests of big corporate groups rather than marginalized communities. Citing examples from different states, he claimed that tribal people have been displaced to facilitate industrial and infrastructure projects.
The DYFI leader also criticized the suspension of MGNREGA works, alleging that tribal youth have been among the worst affected. He demanded the continuation of the rural employment scheme and announced that the organization would intensify its campaign for 200 days of guaranteed employment under MGNREGA.
Bhattacharya also accused the BJP of pursuing divisive politics in states such as Tripura and Assam and stressed the need to ensure that tribal identities are properly recorded during the population census. Highlighting issues in Tripura, he alleged that the state has failed to attract major industries, government vacancies remain unfilled, and substance abuse among young people is increasing. Referring to recent drug-related arrests, he alleged that some of those apprehended had links with the BJP and urged young people to join the campaign against drug abuse.
Speaking at the press conference, DYFI leader Bikash Jha claimed that the country’s youth are facing unemployment and economic distress, forcing many to migrate in search of work. He alleged that forests, rivers, and natural resources are being exploited for corporate interests and accused the BJP and the RSS of pursuing divisive politics while weakening the rights of tribal communities.
Nirankush Nath, the Assam state secretary of DYFI, also criticized the BJP, alleging that the party has misled tribal communities and is handing over tribal land to corporate interests.
The press conference was also attended by West Bengal DYFI leader Sonamoni Tudu, West Bengal state secretary Dhruvajyoti Saha, and TYF Central Committee general secretary Kumud Debbarma.
The statements made during the press conference reflect the views and allegations of the DYFI leaders. There was no immediate response from the BJP to the allegations.