Internal bickering between BJP and IPFT seems to have been buried, at least for some time now, after a discussion between BJP All India General Secretary Ram Madhav and NC Debbarma led IPFT team today in Agartala.
Reacting to recent incidents where even BJP State president was allegedly attacked by IPFT, Madahav in his crisply but significantly made the problems as “minor” issues.
Ram Madhav along with State BJP president Dr Manik Saha held a meeting with IPFT delegates led by its supremo NC Debbarma, general secretary Mevar Kumar Jamatia and other leaders of the party.
On what transpired in the meeting, Madhav said, “All the differences that have emerged between us are minor. IPFT is still an ally of the BJP in this government and a constituent of the NEDA. I have met a delegation of IPFT and suggested to them the ways to work for the betterment of the state in united manner. As far as the issues are concerned we have told them that when the polls to the ADC come closer the Chief Minister and the state BJP leadership will be discussing as to what kind of pre-poll arrangements will be made”.
IPFT General Secretary Mevar Kumar Jamatia, while reacting on the issue, said, “We have submitted a memorandum in the meeting. Also urged him to expedite the process of making the report of the high level modality committee formed to assess the socio-cultural, economic and political aspects of the indigenous population of the state public. As of now, we are in the alliance and there are no reasons to break away from it. The issue of seat sharing and other arrangements for the ADC polls will come up for discussions in next sittings with BJP state leadership and high command”.
Later on addressing a press conference, the IPFT leaders refuted any links of the party with the Khumulwng incident in which Dr Manik Saha came under attack. “The Khumulwng incident was created by some opposition political party and IPFT had no links with that”, IPFT AGS Mangal Debbarma said.
Mangal Debbarma also dubbed the comments of IPFT legislator Brishaketu Debbarma on breaking the alliance with the BJP as his own comments and not scripted by the party functionaries.
The Party also talked with Ram Madhav relating to inclusion of another minister in the cabinet if expanded.
“In the pre-poll agreement done before the 2018 assembly elections, BJP has assured us of offering majority seats in the ADC polls and we are still hopeful that the senior ally will keep its promise”, Mangal added.
