Agartala (Tripura) Jul 5: Ruling BJP’s ally in TIPRA Motha Party leaders will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah with their demand to expedite implementation of the tripartite agreement and other issues. A final decision whether to continue with the alliance will be taken after meeting with Amit Shah, TMP MLA Ranjit Debbarma said in Agartala today.
Notably, on the day of Ulta Rath today, political situation in Tripura took a dramatic turn. Amidst speculations relating to the selection or election of Tripura Pradesh BJP president, TIPRA Motha Party (TMP), an ally of ruling BJP-IPFT in Tripura threatened to pull out of the alliance owing multiple reasons including delay in implementation of the tripartite agreement etc.
However, TMP supremo royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarma termed ‘pull out’ statement is a reflection of public discontent rather than an official decision of the party.
Reacting on Ranjit Debbarma’s statement, BJP MP from West Tripura LS seat, Biplab Kumar Deb said, Ranjit is not the supremo of the TMP and TMP supremo (Pradyot Kishore) has not said anything about breaking out of the alliance.
Notably, in the 60 seat Assembly, BJP alone has 32 MLAs while party’s another ally, IPFT has one taking combined strength of BJP-IPFT to 33 seats – together they have the majority. On the other hand, TMP has 13 MLAs in the Assembly.
Even as TMP is the second largest party in Tripura in terms of the MLAs, pulling out of the government will not result in collapse of Dr Manik Saha-led BJP-IPFT Government.
Despite the stability of the government is not under threat, as soon as TMP MLA Ranjit Debbarma issued the stern warning relating to quitting the government, serious political discussions and speculations started among the people and political leaders.
While speaking to reporters at the Agartala Press Club, Ranjit Debbarma criticized the government for continued neglect of indigenous communities. He announced that the party was prepared to walk away from its alliance with the BJP.
Debbarma also indicated that BJP MP from the East Tripura (ST reserved) LS constituency, Kriti Debbarman Singh might consider stepping down as mark of support to the TMP’s cause. Notably, Kriti Debbarman Singh is related to Pradyot Kishore Debbarma and TMP extended support to her during the last LS Polls.
Explaining reasons behind the pull out warning, Ranjit Debbarma drew attention to several unresolved issues, including the delay in implementing the tripartite pact, the long-pending Village Committee elections, incomplete distribution of land rights, and the stalled passage of the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill to strengthen Sixth Schedule provisions.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the cabinet composition, pointing out that only two TMP MLAs hold ministerial posts, and one of them is MoS and no independent charge.
Responding to media queries, Pradyot stated, “I was unaware of what our MLA said and will speak to him directly. I’ve already had a conversation with the Chief Minister. It’s been a year and a half since the tripartite agreement was signed in Delhi, yet villagers continue to feel sidelined.
We need to ensure its full implementation. The Chief Minister has assured us that he will bring the matter to the Centre’s attention, and we should trust his assurance.”
He further revealed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has scheduled a meeting with Tipra Motha representatives later this month. “We will present our concerns directly to him. The lack of movement on the agreement, coupled with growing illegal infiltration from across the Bangladesh border, has led to unrest in tribal-dominated areas,” Pradyot noted.
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Ranjit Debbarma, in his press briefings, also announced that TMP leaders would meet Amit Shah on July 20 to make a final representation before deciding on the party’s future course of action.
“Our leader, Maharaja Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, will be visiting Delhi on July 9, and I will accompany him,” the MLA added.
