In view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Tripura Pradesh Congress president Asish Kumar Saha and Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman convened a crucial meeting with the Screening Committee leaders in New Delhi on Sunday. The meeting assumes significance as the Screening Committee is yet to finalize Congress candidates for the two Lok Sabha seats in Tripura.
Pradesh Congress president Asish Kumar Saha, when asked about the candidate list for the two LS seats in Tripura, said, “We do not know who will receive the ticket. The screening committee will make that decision. Our role was to provide our perspectives.”
Earlier this month, a three-member delegation of Congress leaders, led by Rana KP Singh, visited Tripura. They engaged in extensive discussions with party leaders from all organizational districts. The views expressed during these meetings were meticulously documented by the committee, forming the basis for further consideration after the Central Election Committee’s (CEC) meeting. The final list of candidates will be announced in consultation with the INDI Alliance.
However, Congress in Tripura is facing inner-party squabbles and discontent is simmering within the party factions. Senior leaders including MLA Brijit Sinha, have distanced themselves from party activities and office functions for an extended period. This internal discord raises questions about the overall strength of the party in the state.
Additionally, several youth activists associated with the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) resigned from the primary membership of the Congress in recent times. Former NSUI state president, Samrat Roy, is among those who stepped away.
A section of the Congress supporters are up against the Sudip Barman led faction and the dissenters unless addressed properly would affect the Congress party’s chances, if any, in the Lok Sabha Polls.
As the Lok Sabha polls approach, political pundits wonder whether the Congress would field candidates for both seats, given the prevailing challenges and political dynamics.
The upcoming elections promise to be a litmus test for the party’s ability to navigate internal dynamics and bargain with other anti-BJP forces for opposition unity.