Former Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb raises concerns over external interference in State BJP's affairs
Former Chief Minister of Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb, raised concerns on Sunday about external interference in the internal matters of State unit of the BJP.
Deb, who is currently serving as a Rajya Sabha member from Tripura and State Prabhari of Haryana, was formerly the president of the Tripura unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), voiced his apprehensions about certain individuals from outside the party meddling in its affairs.
When questioned about the nature of this external interference, Deb responded, "You understand the details of external interference. Everyone understands why party organization is hampered. I am not a bureaucrat or an officer. When such outside interference happens, it's my duty to present these before the right place."
Despite persistent inquiries from the media, Deb refrained from revealing the identities of these 'outsiders' or divulging specific details about how they were impeding the party's functioning.
However, he did disclose that he had already informed the central leadership of the BJP about the matter.
"We shall run the party under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Party and government have to be run in the right direction. I have apprised the leadership of such external interference. BJP is a disciplined party," Deb stated during a press conference at his official residence in Agartala.
Deb, who resigned from the Chief Minister's position on May 14 last year following directives from the central leadership of the BJP, expressed his commitment to the party's success in Tripura. He highlighted the BJP's second consecutive term in power in the state, emphasizing the party's efforts to liberate Tripura from communist rule.
Deb actively participated in the February assembly election campaign.
Sources close to Deb have hinted at further reservations he holds regarding the state of affairs within the party. However, due to instructions from senior party leaders, Deb refrained from providing additional elaboration on these matters. In response to the party high command's request, he is expected to visit New Delhi following his briefing.
Incumbent State president of the party Rajib Bhattacharjee, while reacting to Deb’s statement said he would talk to Deb about the ‘external interference’. He also said after a discussion with Deb, if anything is wrong is found in the organization, steps would be taken to rectify those. Bhattacharjee firmly asserted that BJP is like a family and addresses issues, if arise, holding discussions in an amicable environment.