In a significant development, Rajya Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb has dropped hints suggesting that the TIPRA Motha, a prominent regional political party in Tripura, might ultimately align with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming bye-polls in the Dhanpur and Boxanagar constituencies. Although not making an explicit statement, Deb’s remarks during a recent poll rally speech in Nidaya, Dhanpur constituency, have stirred considerable speculation.
During his address to a massive gathering in support of BJP candidate Bindu Debnath, Biplab Kumar Deb made several indirect references to TIPRA Motha leader Pradyot Kishore Debbarman. These references included Debbarman’s meetings with key BJP central leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the BJP’s recognition of the Royal family after assuming power in the state.
Deb’s oblique hints and references regarding TIPRA Motha’s potential support for the BJP have been taken seriously, given his known cordial relations with Debbarman. These statements are expected to unsettle the opposition alliance comprising the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM].
It’s worth noting that TIPRA Motha had refrained from fielding its own candidates, choosing instead to remain neutral and keep the opposition guessing about its intentions. The party had been courted by the opposition in hopes of securing its support to challenge the BJP’s dominance in the upcoming bye-polls.
During his speech, Biplab Kumar Deb also addressed the resignation of Pratima Bhowmik, a Union Minister of State, despite her victory in the last assembly elections from the same Dhanpur constituency. Deb explained, “Pratima Bhowmik resigned because she happened to be the only woman central minister from the North East region. The central BJP leadership felt that Bhowmik should remain in the Union ministry as she represented the North East region as the lone woman minister.”
Concluding his address, the MP urged the electorate to support Bindu Debnath’s candidacy, emphasizing that her victory would contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India. As the bye-polls approach, the political landscape in Tripura appears to be undergoing intriguing shifts, with all eyes on the potential alignment of TIPRA Motha and its implications for the electoral outcome.
