Tripura CM Dr Manik Saha says nothing is final on BJP-Tipra Motha talks, keeping alliance possibilities open ahead of TTAADC polls. Tipra Motha leaders are set to meet Union Home Ministry officials in Delhi to discuss the tripartite accord, political grievances, alliance prospects and possible cabinet reshuffle.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday kept political speculation surrounding the BJP-Tipra Motha alliance alive, saying that nothing had reached the final stage amid growing discussions over a possible joint contest in the forthcoming elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
The Chief Minister declined to reveal details about the high-profile meetings held in New Delhi, where several senior leaders from Tripura were present. He instead urged the media and political observers to wait until the discussions reached a decisive stage.
“All of you must have seen the pictures on the social media platforms. Constructive discussions pertaining to ensuing VC polls of the TTAADC areas took place. At this point of time, I have nothing more to disclose,” Dr Saha said while responding to questions about the Delhi meetings.
The Chief Minister was specifically asked whether the BJP and Tipra Motha were moving towards contesting the forthcoming elections together. In response, Dr Saha maintained that discussions were still underway and no final decision had been taken.
“Things are yet to reach the final stage. Once the talks reach the final stage, I will be in the position to disclose further on the issue. For now, this is what I can say,” he said.
However, Dr Saha did not rule out the possibility of another political understanding with Tipra Motha. Asked whether the two parties could jointly fight the elections, he said, “It may happen. And, if it happens there lies obstacles and all of you shall definitely know about that.”
His remarks have added further weight to speculation that the BJP and Tipra Motha are holding discussions over their political strategy for the upcoming TTAADC polls. The two parties are currently constituents of the BJP-led ruling coalition in Tripura.
According to the Chief Minister, discussions in Delhi covered several aspects related to the forthcoming elections. He also described the issue of the tripartite agreement as an ongoing process, indicating that negotiations on the matter have not yet reached a conclusive stage.
The BJP’s central leadership has been directly involved in the recent discussions. Dr Saha, along with other senior leaders from the state, attended two meetings in the national capital chaired by BJP national president Nitin Nabin and BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh.
Meanwhile, Tipra Motha appears to be facing a crucial political moment following the developments in Delhi. Party supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarman reportedly reached the national capital on Saturday. Rebel-turned MLA Ranjit Debbarma is also camping in Delhi, while Minister Brishaketu Debbarma is expected to reach the national capital.
Sources said a crucial meeting between Tipra Motha leaders and officials of the Union Home Ministry is scheduled for Sunday. Senior functionaries handling the party’s political affairs in the Northeast are also likely to participate in the discussions.
The meeting is expected to provide Tipra Motha leaders with an opportunity to place their grievances and suggestions before the BJP central leadership and the Union government. Among the key issues likely to come up for discussion is the tripartite agreement, which has reportedly seen limited progress over the past two years.
The agreement was signed in 2024 and subsequently paved the way for Tipra Motha’s entry into the BJP-led ruling coalition in Tripura. For Tipra Motha, implementation of the agreement has remained one of the party’s principal political objectives.
Party sources indicated that the issue of the tripartite accord could therefore receive significant attention during the Delhi meeting. Apart from the agreement, demands concerning a possible reshuffle of the state council of ministers may also be raised, according to sources familiar with the developments.
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Both the BJP and Tipra Motha’s state leadership have so far maintained caution over the developments, with neither side willing to make detailed public statements. The reason, according to sources, is that the central leadership of the two parties is currently handling the sensitive political discussions.
The developments are significant not only because of the upcoming TTAADC elections but also because of the longer-term political calculations of both parties. According to BJP sources, Tipra Motha remains particularly focused on the tripartite agreement, which has been a major political plank for the party.
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The BJP, meanwhile, is also looking ahead to the 2028 Tripura Assembly elections. Having remained in power for two consecutive terms, the party is expected to face anti-incumbency concerns and is therefore closely examining its political strategy and alliance equations.
For now, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha’s statement that “nothing” is final has kept the possibility of a BJP-Tipra Motha joint electoral arrangement open. The outcome of the upcoming Delhi discussions could provide greater clarity on the alliance’s future, the tripartite agreement and the parties’ strategy for the TTAADC polls.
