Agartala Mar 24: A wave of internal defiance and high-stakes political maneuvering reportedly gripped the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) on Tuesday as the party finalized its candidates for all 28 TTAADC constituencies.
The announcement of contesting candidates marked by the notable absence of party supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarman from the fray. Besides nearly half of the sitting Members of District Council (MDCs) being unceremoniously dropped.
Sources indicate that the leadership’s decision to bypass several veteran faces led to open factionalism.
The atmosphere in Agartala remained electric throughout the day as media persons were eagerly waiting for official release of the list.
This has triggered widespread ‘friction’ among the party leaders.
Many feel that Pradyot Debbarman skipped a formal press interaction and reportedly leave the capital sensing the dissent.
Surprisingly, despite the lack of an official “list launch,” several candidates filed their nominations without waiting for official release of the candidate list.
The Great Purge: Strategy or Risk?
The most significant takeaway is the “cleansing” of the current council ranks.
By denying tickets to 50% of sitting MDCs, including Executive Members like Rajesh Tripura and Suhel Debbarma, the party played a big gamble.
The most high-profile casualty was Dolly Reang, who was dropped following allegations of back-channel negotiations with the BJP.
While heavyweights like CEM Purna Chandra Jamatia and Chairman Jagadish Debbarma retained their ground, Suraj Debbarma (YTF president) is in the fray from Pradyot’s former seat of Takarjala-Jampuijala.
Collapse of alliance talks with the saffron party clearly indicate Pradyot Kishore Debbarma has lost rapport with the central BJP leadership. This is an alarming signal for the TMP as the party evolves around Debbarma.
News Analysis: TMP’s Dilemma
This candidate list represents the most significant internal challenge to Pradyot Kishore Debbarman’s leadership since the party’s inception.
Tipra Motha Party heavily relied on Pradyot Kishore Debbarma who once enjoyed good relation with BJP top brass including Amit Shah.
Capitalizing his connection, Debbarma managed to secure settlement of Bru people in the State.
These Brus took refuge in Tripura after ethnic conflicts in Mizoram. Also, Debbarma managed to clinch deal with the Central Government for financial rehabilitation package for the militants who were struggling to survive.
None of these could have been attained without Central patronage.
But inability of sealing a pre-poll alliance with BJP exposed his weakened connection with saffron party leaders.
TMP may win the TTAADC, but no doubt TMP supremo is facing a long-term crisis and fulfilling his lofty poll promises like Greater Tipraland is facing an acid test.