AGARTALA, SEPTEMBER 8: The reported political understanding between the BJP and Tipra Motha has emerged as a fresh point of contention in Tripura’s pre-election campaign, with the Congress seeking greater transparency over the arrangement ahead of the ADC Village Council elections.
Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee president Ashish Kumar Saha said the reported understanding between the two parties raises questions about their respective commitments to voters and the future political alignment in the state.
Saha particularly questioned the details of the agreement discussed during the recent Delhi meeting involving BJP and Tipra Motha leaders. He sought clarification on the provisions of the pact, its legal framework and the proposed timeline for implementation.
The Congress leader also questioned whether any understanding between the parties would have an impact on the ongoing electoral process following the announcement of the Village Council elections.
Saha’s criticism comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the polls, with parties attempting to consolidate their support bases in the tribal council areas. He alleged that the BJP-Tipra Motha understanding could alter the existing opposition vote pattern and benefit the ruling side.
He further alleged that the political arrangement could have a longer-term objective extending to the 2028 Assembly elections.
Targeting Tipra Motha, Saha questioned the party’s political role after its association with the government and alleged that its earlier electoral commitments had not been adequately addressed. He also criticised what he described as changes in the party’s political position since 2019.
The Congress president cited Tipra Motha’s recent public statements, including remarks by party supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, and alleged that they had failed to resolve questions surrounding the reported agreement.
Saha also responded to comments suggesting that Tipra Motha could advise the Congress. He said the party was willing to consider inputs from experts and professionals across various sectors but rejected the idea of seeking political guidance from parties or individuals whose positions Congress disagrees with.
The Congress leader urged voters to examine the political equations ahead of the ADC elections and cautioned against what he described as attempts to divide votes opposed to the BJP.
He called for greater political awareness among voters, particularly in the tribal areas, and appealed to people to place state interests and development issues above political arrangements.
The BJP and Tipra Motha have not issued a response to the allegations contained in Saha’s statement, as per the information available.
