The implementation of 2024 tripartite accord is likely to dominate upcoming Delhi talks involving TIPRA Motha leaders and the Centre, amid negotiations over the TTAADC Village Committee elections.
Quick Glance
- TIPRA Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma reached Delhi.
- A meeting with Union Home Ministry officials is scheduled.
- The 2024 tripartite accord is expected to be a key issue.
- Dr Manik Saha said BJP discussions on ADC polls are not final.
- A BJP-TIPRA Motha joint contest remains possible.
- The talks could influence the ruling alliance’s future in Tripura.
Agartala, August 08: The implementation of the 2024 tripartite accord is emerging as a key issue ahead of crucial talks involving TIPRA Motha leaders and the Centre in New Delhi.
The development comes at a politically important time for Tripura. The state is preparing for the upcoming Village Committee elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
At the same time, uncertainty continues over the electoral understanding between TIPRA Motha and the BJP.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday refused to disclose details of recent discussions among senior BJP leaders. He said the talks covered the forthcoming TTAADC Village Committee polls but stressed that nothing had been finalised.
His comments came amid fresh political activity in New Delhi involving senior leaders of both parties.
TIPRA Motha leaders move to Delhi
TIPRA Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma reached New Delhi on Saturday, according to party sources.
Rebel-turned-MLA Ranjit Debbarma is also in the national capital, sources said. Minister Brishaketu Debbarma is expected to reach Delhi as well.
A meeting between TIPRA Motha leaders and officials of the Union Home Ministry is scheduled for Sunday, according to sources.
Senior BJP functionaries handling the party’s political affairs in the Northeast are also likely to participate.
The meeting assumes significance because TIPRA Motha has been pressing for progress on the 2024 tripartite accord.
What is the 2024 tripartite accord?
The tripartite agreement was signed in 2024 between the Centre, the Tripura government and the Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance, now known as TIPRA Motha.
The agreement became a major political milestone for TIPRA Motha.
The party subsequently joined the BJP-led ruling coalition in Tripura.
TIPRA Motha leaders have maintained that implementation of the accord was a key objective behind the party’s decision to enter the government.
However, party sources claim that the agreement has not made significant progress over the past two years.
That has kept the issue politically sensitive.
TIPRA Motha likely to raise grievances
The upcoming Delhi meeting could provide an opportunity for TIPRA Motha leaders to raise their concerns directly with the Centre.
Sources said the party is expected to discuss the status of the tripartite accord.
Other political issues could also come up during the meeting.
A possible reshuffle in the Tripura council of ministers may also be discussed, according to sources.
Neither the party’s state leadership nor the BJP has publicly confirmed the details of the proposed discussions.
Saha says election talks are not final
Against this backdrop, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha remained guarded about the BJP’s discussions in New Delhi.
He said senior leaders had discussed the upcoming TTAADC Village Committee elections.
The discussions also covered the party’s organisational and financial position ahead of the polls.
“All of you must have seen the pictures on social media. Discussions took place on the forthcoming VC polls of the TTAADC areas. At this point, I have nothing more to disclose,” Dr Saha said.
He declined to confirm whether the BJP and TIPRA Motha had reached an agreement for a joint electoral contest.
“Things are yet to reach the final stage. Once the talks reach the final stage, I will be in a position to disclose further,” he said.
BJP keeps joint contest option open
Dr Saha also did not rule out a joint contest with TIPRA Motha.
He said such an arrangement could happen, but stressed that no final decision had been taken.
The remarks indicate that negotiations remain open as the parties prepare for the Village Committee polls.
The BJP and TIPRA Motha are already partners in the state government. However, the two parties face different political priorities.
TIPRA Motha has placed the implementation of the tripartite accord at the centre of its political agenda.
The BJP, meanwhile, is preparing for the longer-term electoral battle in Tripura.
ADC polls add urgency to talks
The upcoming TTAADC Village Committee elections have added urgency to the discussions.
The polls will test the political strength of the parties in the tribal areas.
For TIPRA Motha, the elections will be an important opportunity to consolidate its support base.
For the BJP, maintaining a workable relationship with its tribal ally could have implications beyond the Village Committee polls.
The party is already looking towards the 2028 Assembly elections.
Delhi talks could shape next phase
The outcome of the proposed Delhi meeting could therefore have wider political implications for Tripura.
A clear roadmap on the tripartite accord could help ease tensions within the ruling alliance.
An understanding on the Village Committee elections could also shape the electoral strategy of both parties.
For now, however, both sides are maintaining caution.
The next round of discussions in Delhi is likely to provide a clearer picture of the future course of the BJP-TIPRA Motha relationship and the implementation of the 2024 tripartite accord.
