Biplab & Pradyot’s meeting sparks political buzz in Tripura
In a surprise move, BJP MP Biplab Deb and Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Debbarma met at Ujjayanta Palace, the official residence of the Tripura royal family, sparking widespread speculation in the state. The closed-door discussion has raised eyebrows amid ongoing tensions over the Tiprasa Accord, a pact between the Tipra Motha and the BJP-led government.
The meeting was reportedly a “birthday visit” to Pradyot Debbarma, who was celebrating his birthday on March 29. However, the timing and secrecy surrounding the meeting have led many to question the true nature of the encounter. The Tipra Motha has been a crucial partner for the BJP in the government, and the meeting has sparked concerns over potential backroom deals and horse-trading.
In recent weeks, tensions have been running high between the Tipra Motha and the BJP over the Tiprasa Accord. A Tipra MLA, Sudhangshu Dey, had threatened to withdraw his party’s support to the government if its demands were not met. The accord, signed in 2021, aimed to address the long-standing demands of the indigenous Tiprasa community, including greater autonomy and representation in the government.
The meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma has added fuel to the fire, with many interpreting it as a desperate attempt by the BJP to salvage the Tiprasa Accord. “The meeting is a clear indication that the BJP is trying to woo the Tipra Motha back into its fold,” said a local political observer. “The Tipra Motha has been feeling marginalized and ignored by the BJP, and this meeting is an attempt to placate them.”
Others speculate that the meeting may be a precursor to a larger political realignment in the state. “The Tipra Motha has been exploring other options, including an alliance with the Congress,” said a political analyst. “This meeting may be a sign that the BJP is trying to keep the Tipra Motha within its fold by offering concessions and benefits.”
The Tipra Motha has been critical of the BJP-led government’s handling of the Tiprasa Accord, accusing it of reneging on its promises. In a recent statement, Pradyot Debbarma had threatened to take drastic measures if the government failed to address the community’s demands. The meeting with Biplab Deb may be seen as an attempt to diffuse the tension and prevent a potential crisis.
The BJP, however, has downplayed the significance of the meeting. “It was just a birthday visit, and there was no political discussion,” said a BJP spokesperson. “The Tipra Motha is an important partner for us, and we will continue to work together to address the concerns of the indigenous community.”
The meeting has also sparked concerns over the lack of transparency in the government’s dealings with the Tipra Motha. “The people of Tripura have a right to know what transpired during this meeting,” said a local activist. “The government should be transparent about its dealings with the Tipra Motha and avoid any backroom deals that may compromise the interests of the people.”
As the political temperatures continue to rise in Tripura, the meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma has added a new layer of complexity to the already volatile political landscape. The Tipra Motha’s future in the government hangs in the balance, and the outcome of this meeting will have far-reaching implications for the state’s politics.
