Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and former Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma have been engaged in high-level discussions with senior party functionaries in Delhi, following their departure from the core committee meeting in Agartala. Sources within the BJP indicate that these meetings primarily revolve around deliberations regarding the Lok Sabha candidate selection for the East Tripura constituency.
According to insider information, several senior state leaders advocate for Jishnu Dev Varma to be nominated as the candidate for the East Tripura seat. The central leadership is expected to engage in discussions with Chief Minister Saha and seek the opinion of Dev Varma himself before making a final decision on the matter.
Key stakeholders within the BJP have expressed reservations about entering into an electoral alliance with TIPRA Motha, emphasizing concerns that such a move could backfire, potentially resulting in the loss of non-tribal votes for the BJP candidate.
A senior BJP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, endorsed Jishnu Dev Varma as the most suitable candidate for the East Tripura ST seat. The leader cited Varma’s impeccable reputation, widespread acceptance across diverse demographics, and his esteemed stature as reasons supporting his candidacy. Furthermore, the leader cautioned that relinquishing the seat to TIPRA Motha in the context of an alliance could lead to irreversible consequences for the BJP in the region.
The ongoing discussions underscore the strategic importance and nuanced considerations involved in candidate selection and electoral alliances, reflecting the intricate dynamics shaping the political landscape in Tripura.
