People have rejected Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s appeal to end Left rule in Tripura, CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat said on Thursday.

Speaking at a victory rally here, Mr. Karat said Mr. Gandhi, in his election campaign, gave a call for ousting Communists from the State, even from India. But the informed people rejected him by reinstalling the Left government with more votes and seats. The record win with 52 per cent votes was the result of development activities and successful implementation of pro-people programmes.

Mr. Karat said Mr. Gandhi was not aware of the history of the Communist movement in Tripura that made a dent in the State during the time of monarchy. It was the Communists who relentlessly worked towards restoration of peace, development and ethnic amity between tribals and non-tribals.

Mr. Karat warned that the new Left Front government might face hurdles from the UPA regime at the Centre, which, he said, was frequently hiking the prices of essential commodities and petroleum products to cause the common people more trouble.

Listen to people: Sarkar

Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said the rank and file of the Left constituents should take the people into confidence and listen to their grievances to ensure good governance. “We must remember that 47 per cent people voted against us. It is our failure that we could not reach out to them.”

The Chief Minister urged extremists, camping in Bangladesh, to return home and join the mainstream. “Please shun violence and get rid of weapons. We will ensure your rehabilitation in society as normal citizens,” he said.