As things unfolded near the Palace area in Agartala on Sunday (Jan 29), it seems that things are going well for the TIPRA Motha. With Monday (Jan 30) being the last date nomination submission, TIPRA Motha failed to come up with complete list of its candidates for February 16 Assembly Polls in Tripura.
So far (till midnight of Sunday), TIPRA Motha released two lists containing names for total 30 Assembly Constituencies.
Surprisingly, the party appears to be in trouble in picking up candidates for 20 ST seats – which are considered to be stronghold of the party as it is ruling the Tripura Tribal Area Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) – so far, names of candidates for only 15 seats were announced.
Out of the remaining 15 seats, 12 were general and 3 were SC seats.
Since Sunday morning leaders started making a beeline near the Palace, the residence of TIPRA Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma and started demanding party tickets which ultimately led to a chaotic situation – much to the dismay of Debbarma.
Sensing such situations may arise, Pradyot Kishore Debbarma warned his leaders and supporters not focus on getting tickets for contesting in polls. In fact, few days ago, party’s president BK Hrangkhawl held press meeting to convey that Debbarma’s decision regarding candidate selection would be final and everyone will have to abide by the decision.
However, TIPRA Motha’s failure in releasing the complete list of the candidates indicated that such appeals fell flat.
It may be that, the party will announce few more names, around 10, on Monday and proceed to file nominations – but the simmering discontent will put the party under pressure in coming days – even after the election is over.
It is true that other parties too are facing resentment – but that does not mean that TIPRA Motha should also be riddled with such dissentment.
