Agartala, June 15:
A day after reports emerged that 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs had announced their decision to merge with the Nationalist Citizens’ Party of India (NCPI) to align with the NDA, the little-known political outfit with a presence in Tripura has suddenly become the subject of political curiosity, with even Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha admitting that he was surprised by the developments.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a bicycle distribution programme for Class IX girl students in Agartala on Monday, Dr. Saha said he was closely watching the situation but till reading reports in media this morning had very little information about the party that has unexpectedly entered the national political spotlight.
“Nothing is known yet. I have see what is being reported in the newspapers and what exactly is happening. I don’t understand how they found this party,” the Chief Minister remarked.
Recalling that he had noticed the party during an election period, Saha said the NCPI had some activities in Tripura, particularly in Dhalai district, but he was unaware of its broader organisational background.
“I think it had appeared during the election period in 2023. Even I did not know much about it. I think it was in Dhalai district (of Tripura). From where and how they have brought this party, I do not understand. Let us see what happens,” he said.
The NCPI, formed in 2023 and registered in Howrah, West Bengal, had largely remained on the margins of mainstream politics. The party made its electoral debut in the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections by fielding candidates in four constituencies but failed to make a significant impact.
However, the reported move by a group of rebel TMC MPs to merge with the party and extend support to the NDA has transformed the NCPI from a relatively obscure regional outfit into a name being discussed in national political circles.
The sudden rise of the NCPI has sparked curiosity in Tripura’s political landscape, where the party had only a limited presence until now, with political observers keenly watching whether the development leads to a larger realignment in national politics.
