December 13, 2017: Two tribal based parties of Tripura – INPT and NCT have decided to set a deadline for BJP over alliance issues. Speaking at a press conference today in Agartala, leaders of INPT and NCT said, both the parties are keen to forge alliance with BJP to consolidate anti-left votes but BJP seems to be in ‘wait and watch’ mood.
“Even though INPT and NCT have made proposals for pre-poll alliance sometimes back, BJP appears to be non-committal. Considering the emerging situation, if BJP fails to clear its stance by December 20 on pre-poll alliance, INPT and NCT will announce its candidates’ list for 20 Assembly seats”, NCT supremo Animesh Debbarama said.
He also said, “If BJP remain unresponsive, INPT-NCT under the banner of All Tripura Indigenous Regional Parties’ Forum (ATIRP) will explore alternative path.” However, Debbarma did not divulge any specific information about alternative path”.
INPT supremo Vijay Hrankhal mentioned about demands like empowering ADC, direct funding for ADC etc.
FHe said, “The alliance will be based on a common minimum programme (CMP) with special focus on empowerment of Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and direct funding to the autonomous tribal council”.
Tribal parties of Tripura comprising IPFT, INPT and NCT formed a forum which eventually crumbled and IPFT backed out of the forum – leaving INPT and NCT. Meanwhile, BJP leaders clearly mentioned that the Party would not support any demand pertaining to ‘Twipraland’ which made IPFT – a staunch supporter of Twipraland – rethink its strategy. However, IPFT decided to go alone in the election and keep on demand for Twipraland afloat.
