Agartala: August 19: In a significant political development, a delegation of Tripura BJP’s tribal wing, Janajati Morcha, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister for Industries Piyush Goyal in Parliament.
The delegation included BJP Tripura Pradesh President and Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, BJP’s North East Coordinator Sambit Patra, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, Industries Minister Santana Chakma, former Tribal Welfare Minister and MLA Ram Pada Jamatia, and MLA Sambhu Lal Chakma.
According to sources in the Janajati Morcha, the state leadership apprised the Union Home Minister of the prevailing socio-economic and political situation in Tripura. “The meeting was constructive. The Union Minister patiently listened to all our concerns and assured us of appropriate steps. He said the central government would leave no stone unturned to ensure peace and development in the state,” said a member of the delegation.
The meeting holds special significance in light of the forthcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections scheduled for next year. The BJP has been facing stiff competition in the tribal belts from its ally, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP).
Despite sharing power in the state, the alliance between BJP and TMP has seen turbulent phases. Conflicting stances on several issues have strained relations, with a section of TMP leaders, including an ex-militant-turned-MLA, even threatening to pull out of the coalition. Political clashes in TMP strongholds have also targeted BJP workers in recent months.
Adding to the tension, BJP’s elected MDCs in the TTAADC continue to remain in opposition, as they refused to share power with TMP. This uneasy partnership is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the strategies of both parties ahead of the council polls.
