**Agartala, September 21:** Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Monday said BJP supporters would back Tipra Motha in constituencies where the regional party is in a direct contest with the CPI(M) or Congress, signalling coordination between the alliance partners ahead of the elections.
Nath said the arrangement would also operate in the opposite direction, with Tipra Motha supporters being advised against voting for the CPI(M) or Congress in seats where the BJP is directly facing either of the two parties.
The minister said the understanding was intended to prevent the return of what he described as “anti-state ideologies” to the political arena.
While emphasising that voters would have the final say, Nath claimed that the CPI(M) and Congress had weakened considerably at the organisational and grassroots levels in Tripura.
He cited the recently held TTAADC elections while making his assessment. Tipra Motha secured 24 of the 28 elected seats, with the BJP winning the remaining four, while neither the CPI(M) nor Congress secured a seat.
Nath also rejected allegations that opposition parties were operating in an unfavourable electoral environment. He said elections were ultimately determined by factors such as public support, organisational preparedness and the strength of party workers.
Recounting his own political experience, Nath referred to his victory in panchayat elections during the CPI(M)-led government and argued that an incumbent administration could not prevent a candidate from winning if they enjoyed public backing.
The minister further claimed that opposition parties had a relatively weaker connection with younger voters and relied more heavily on their traditional support base.
He said the electorate had witnessed changes in government over the years and would evaluate the performance of the present BJP-led NDA administration when casting their votes.
Nath also acknowledged that the same electorate could vote against the BJP, Tipra Motha or IPFT if the ruling parties failed to fulfil public expectations.
His comments come against the backdrop of coordination among the BJP, Tipra Motha and IPFT ahead of the Village Committee elections, even as the alliance partners are facing some direct contests in different constituencies.
