Agartala, August 9:
Talks on the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord have resumed in New Delhi after a prolonged gap, even as political negotiations over a possible BJP–TIPRA Motha understanding for the upcoming Village Council (VC) elections gather momentum.
TIPRA Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, accompanied by a delegation comprising Minister of State Briswaketu Debbarma, MLA Ranjit Debbarma and former Chief Executive Member of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Purna Chandra Jamatia, held discussions in New Delhi on Sunday with interlocutor and former Northeast region adviser A.K. Mishra.
The development assumes political significance as the state prepares for the crucial Village Council elections, which are being held after more than a decade and have emerged as a major test for the ruling BJP-led alliance, particularly after the senior partner suffered a setback against it ally TIPRA Motha in the recent TTAADC election.
The resumption of talks over the Tiprasa Accord also comes amid renewed speculation over a possible electoral understanding between the BJP and TIPRA Motha for the VC polls.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who returned to Tripura only a day ago after attending BJP’s organisational meeting in New Delhi, left for the national capital again on Sunday.
Before leaving Agartala, Saha indicated that discussions could take place in Delhi, but maintained that no final decision had been taken regarding an alliance or seat-sharing arrangement for the Village Council elections.
Explaining his sudden return to Delhi, Saha said he had initially intended to remain in the national capital but returned to the state for a day to attend to pending work.
He said he was now travelling back as there might be further discussions, although he had not received any “exact” information about what would be discussed.
The Chief Minister also stressed that, according to the party’s established process, decisions are not announced in advance and are communicated only after the necessary discussions and procedures are completed.
“After the process is completed and a decision is reached, only then is it announced,” Saha said, indicating that discussions on the election strategy could still be underway.
The developments have triggered sharp criticism from the Opposition CPI(M), with party state secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury accusing the BJP and TIPRA Motha of maintaining a political understanding behind the scenes while projecting confrontation before the people.
Chaudhury alleged that ‘drama’ is being again acted as the two parties have repeatedly followed a pattern of public confrontation followed by secret negotiations whenever elections approach.
According to him, the BJP and TIPRA Motha have already demonstrated their political relationship since the 2023 Assembly elections, despite their supporters allegedly confronting each other on the ground.
“They fought in the 2023 Assembly election, but they are in the same government and are sharing power,” Chaudhury said, alleging that both parties have benefited from their respective positions in the state government and the ADC.
He claimed that at intervals of six or seven months, particularly before Lok Sabha or local body elections, leaders of the two parties are summoned to Delhi, following which statements emerge about a possible alliance, adjustment or seat-sharing arrangement.
Chaudhury described such developments as “drama” intended to mislead the people, particularly the indigenous population, and alleged that the ultimate objective of both parties was to retain or capture political power.
The CPM leader further alleged that both the BJP and TIPRA Motha had failed to fulfil promises made to the people and claimed that their political conduct had exposed their alleged “incompetence” and corruption.
The renewed Tiprasa Accord discussions, the Chief Minister’s sudden return to Delhi and the possibility of a BJP–TIPRA Motha electoral understanding have thus added a fresh layer to the political contest ahead of the Village Council elections, with all eyes now on whether the latest rounds of talks will produce a formal political arrangement.
