AGARTALA, SEPTEMBER 8: The political contest ahead of Tripura’s ADC Village Council elections has intensified, with Pradesh Congress Committee president Ashish Kumar Saha questioning the reported understanding between the BJP and Tipra Motha and alleging that the arrangement could affect the opposition vote.
Saha said several aspects of the understanding reportedly reached during discussions between leaders of the two parties in Delhi remain unclear. He sought details of the agreement, including its legal basis, implementation schedule and provisions.
The Congress leader questioned how the reported arrangement would operate once the election process had formally begun, particularly after issuance of the election notification.
He also referred to recent public remarks by Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma and alleged that they did not provide sufficient clarity on the substance of the understanding.
According to Saha, the developments could have consequences beyond the forthcoming ADC elections. He alleged that the BJP and Tipra Motha’s political understanding could contribute to a division of anti-BJP votes and influence the electoral landscape ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls.
Saha also targeted Tipra Motha over its role in the ADC administration after entering into an arrangement with the ruling establishment. He questioned the party’s performance against commitments made to voters and alleged that political priorities had overshadowed development-related concerns.
Taking a broader look at Tipra Motha’s political trajectory, the Congress leader referred to developments since 2019 and accused the party of changing its political position according to electoral circumstances.
Saha also rejected the suggestion that Tipra Motha could provide political guidance to the Congress. He said the party remained open to advice from professionals and experts with experience in sectors including education, healthcare, economy, science and technology, employment and security.
At the same time, he said Congress would not seek political guidance from groups or individuals whom the party believes are aligned with forces facing allegations of corruption or actions contrary to national interests.
With the Village Council elections approaching, Saha appealed to voters to carefully assess political alliances and their possible electoral implications.
He called for unity among voters opposed to the BJP and alleged that attempts to fragment the opposition vote could influence the outcome of the elections.
The Congress leader urged people to prioritise Tripura’s interests while assessing the competing political formations and their commitments.
The BJP and Tipra Motha have not responded to the allegations in Saha’s statement, based on the information available.
