In a significant political development, Patal Kanya Jamatia, the vice-president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tripura and the founder of an NGO , Tripura People’s Front (TPF) announced the formation of a new political ‘platform’ – the ‘Tripura People’s Socialist Party’ (TPSP). This announcement was made by her during a press conference held at the Agartala Press Club on Monday.
Patal Kanya’s move is expected to stir the political scene in the state, as she declared that she remains a BJP member but is launching this new political platform. The ruling BJP in Tripura is yet to pass any comment on her move.
Speaking at the press conference, Patal Kanya Jamatia said, the Tripura People’s Front (TPF) was founded in June 30, 2014. The organization, initially starting with 125 members, has been striving for nearly a decade for the political rights and social upliftment of the state. “I want to do something more for the people and society,” she said, hinting that her supporters and those connected with the NGO are not receiving enough opportunities within the BJP framework.
Patal Kanya Jamatia emphasized that her new platform would operate on three fronts – social, political, and economic. The NGO, TPF, will continue its social work, while the newly launched Tripura People’s Socialist Party (TPSP) will serve as the political wing. Additionally, the Tripura People’s Farmer Organization (TPFO) will function as the Cooperative and Entrepreneurship division, focusing on agricultural entrepreneurship and farmer empowerment. She also announced the name of the office bearers on the three wings. Even as she is the founder, she did not hold any post in any of the three wings. Besides, she also read out name of in-charges of the Youth, Women and Students’ wings.
According to Jamatia this structure will allow her supporters and members of her organization to engage in more comprehensive political and economic activities. When asked about her position in the BJP, she said she is with the saffron party. Jamatia made it clear that there is no contradiction in working with multiple political platforms.
She responded to media questions by pointing out that individuals in the past worked with Tipra Motha and later contested elections on a BJP ticket without issues. Therefore, she sees no problem in forming this new political wing while maintaining her position in BJP.
This move comes at a time when Tripura’s political landscape is witnessing heightened activities. Close on the heels of surrender of NLFT militants and Opposition parties’ series of agitation over the law and order situation of post flood compensation issues, Patal Kanya’s announcement will apparently increase uneasiness of the ruling BJP.
Will BJP expel her or allow her to continue to as the party’s vice president is what people and other political parties are debating. Surely, the State BJP leaders are now under sharp focus.
(Tripura, Tripura News)
