Biplab & Pradyot’s meeting sparks political buzz in Tripura
In a surprise move that has sent shockwaves across the political landscape of Tripura, a closed-door meeting was held between BJP MP Biplab Deb and Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Debbarma at Ujjayanta Palace, the erstwhile royal residence of the Tripura royal family. The meeting, which took place on March 15, has sparked intense speculation, with many interpreting it as a significant development in the fragile political equation of the state.
The meeting was reportedly a birthday visit, with Pradyot Debbarma celebrating his birthday on March 15. However, the timing and secrecy surrounding the meeting have raised eyebrows, leading many to wonder if there was more to it than just a simple birthday wish.
The meeting comes at a time when tensions are running high over the Tiprasa Accord, a pact signed between the BJP and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) in 2018. The accord aimed to address the demands of the indigenous communities in Tripura, including the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
Recently, a Tipra MLA, Rebati Mohan Tripura, had threatened to withdraw his party’s support from the BJP-led Tripura government over the slow pace of implementation of the accord. The meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma has led to speculation that the two leaders may be exploring a rapprochement to tackle the growing political unrest in the state.
Pradyot Debbarma, the chief of the Tipra Motha, has been a vocal critic of the BJP-led government in Tripura, accusing it of neglecting the interests of the indigenous communities. His party has been demanding greater autonomy for the TTAADC and the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord in its true spirit.
The meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma has led to a flurry of political activity in Tripura. Senior BJP leaders, including the state’s Deputy Chief Minister, Jishnu Dev Varma, have been trying to downplay the significance of the meeting, terming it a “routine” birthday visit. However, the opposition parties in the state are not buying this explanation, and are instead demanding a full disclosure of the meeting’s agenda and outcomes.
The Left Front, a key opposition party in Tripura, has accused the BJP of indulging in “backdoor politics” to undermine the unity of the opposition parties. “This meeting is a clear indication of the BJP’s desperation to divide the opposition and continue its rule in the state,” said a senior Left Front leader.
On the other hand, the IPFT, a key ally of the BJP in Tripura, has welcomed the meeting, terming it a positive development. “We are happy to see that our leaders are engaging in dialogue to resolve the issues facing the state,” said a senior IPFT leader.
The meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma has also sparked concerns about the future of the Tiprasa Accord. While the accord was signed with great fanfare, its implementation has been slow and uneven, leading to growing frustration among the indigenous communities. The meeting may be an attempt to revive the accord and address the long-standing demands of the Tripura tribal communities.
In conclusion, the meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma has set off a political storm in Tripura, with many speculating about its implications for the state’s politics. While the BJP and the Tipra Motha have tried to downplay its significance, the opposition parties are demanding a full disclosure of the meeting’s agenda and outcomes. As the political landscape of Tripura continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma has set the stage for a new round of political maneuvering in the state.
