Agartala, Jan 15: Bolstering the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) prospects moving into the assembly elections in Tripura, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed two public meetings here on Thursday. Modi promised to transform the state within next five years, if the BJP is elected to power.

"The Left is ruling here for 20-25 years. But there is no part of the state where you can see development. Can CPM justify their inefficient governance model?" Modi said while addressing the gathering in Shantir Bazar.

Citing the spree of political killings in Kerala, Modi accused the CPM of unleashing violence under the garb of socialism. "They believe in gun-tantra, not ganatantra (democracy)," he added.

"The time has come to bid the Communists a farewell. They should never return to power again. The people have suffered enough for the past two decades," the Prime Minister said.

Polls for the 60-member Tripura legislative assembly are scheduled on February 18. The counting of votes will be held on March 3.

The BJP, which has failed to open its account in Tripura in all preceding elections, eyes to form the government in the state this time. The party is contesting on 44 seats, whereas, 11 constituencies are being contested by its ally - the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT).

Meanwhile, the Congress - which was the prime opposition in the outgoing assembly - has seen exodus of its state cadres and senior leaders to the BJP.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 15, 2018 04:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).