.JPG)
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has initiated steps to assess the organizational dynamics and enhance poll preparedness in Tripura ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections. A 5-member screening committee, led by Rana KP Singh, was appointed by the AICC to tour Tripura for 2 days.
During their visit, the screening committee engaged in discussions with various levels of leadership within the Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC), including MLAs, TPCC members, and block-level leaders. TPCC president Asish Kumar Saha highlighted that the party issued an open circular, providing a platform for every party worker across the state to express their views on candidate selection for the upcoming polls. Leaders and workers at the grassroots level were encouraged to express their opinions in writing, which were noted by the screening committee for further consideration.
The committee will shortlist the opinions gathered during the meetings and prepare a docket for the consideration of the Congress Election Committee (CEC). Ultimately, the final list of candidates will be announced under the ‘I.N.D.I.A bloc’.
Regarding the possibility of an alliance with the opposition Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), AICC secretary and TPCC in-charge Szarita Laitphlang stated that while the Congress fought against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in alliance with the CPI(M) in the 2023 assembly elections, a similar joint effort is being considered for the upcoming polls. However, the final decision will be made by the senior leadership, emphasizing that the Congress is prepared to contest against the BJP.
Despite preparations for the elections, there appears to be underlying discontent within the party, with senior leaders like Birajit Sinha distancing themselves from party activities. The allocation of seats during the 2023 assembly elections without proper discussion and the cancellation of much-anticipated visits by senior Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi have raised questions among party members.
Szarita Laitphlang addressed concerns about the cancelled visits, stating that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s tour to Tripura was nearly finalized but had to be cancelled due to Sonia Gandhi’s health issues. She assured that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit Tripura soon. Additionally, Rahul Gandhi has pledged a 2-day tour of Tripura prior to the Lok Sabha polls, indicating the party’s commitment to the electoral battle ahead.
