Biplab & Pradyot’s meeting sparks political buzz in Tripura
A surprise meeting between BJP MP Biplab Deb and Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Debbarma at Ujjayanta Palace has triggered speculation amid tensions over the Tiprasa Accord. Though termed a birthday visit, the closed-door discussion has raised eyebrows among political observers, who are trying to decipher the real motive behind the clandestine meeting.
The meeting, which took place on February 22, has sparked a flurry of questions about the nature of their conversation. Was it genuinely a birthday visit, as claimed by Biplab Deb, or was it a backdoor attempt to negotiate a deal? The ambiguity surrounding the meeting has only added fuel to the fire, with many speculating about the potential implications on the state’s political landscape.
The Tiprasa Accord, signed in 2019 between the BJP and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), was aimed at addressing the grievances of the indigenous people of Tripura. However, the accord has been under scrutiny in recent times, with some factions within the IPFT questioning the government’s commitment to implementing its promises.
Against this backdrop, the meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma has raised concerns about the BJP’s intentions. Pradyot Debbarma, the chief of the Tipra Motha, had recently threatened to pull support from the BJP-led government in Tripura if his demands were not met. His party has been critical of the government’s handling of the Tiprasa Accord and has accused the BJP of reneging on its commitments.
The meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma has sparked speculation about whether the BJP is attempting to re-negotiate the Tiprasa Accord or make concessions to the Tipra Motha to ensure its continued support. The BJP has been trying to strengthen its ties with the indigenous communities in Tripura, particularly the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTA ADC), which has been a key bastion of support for the party.
Pradyot Debbarma, in a statement, described the meeting as a “birthday visit” and downplayed its significance. “I had invited Biplab Deb to my birthday celebration, and he came to the palace. We had a brief discussion about some social issues,” he said. Biplab Deb also echoed similar sentiments, stating that the meeting was a “courtesy visit” and there was no political discussion.
However, political observers are skeptical about the nature of the meeting. “The meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma is a clear indication that the BJP is trying to re-negotiate the Tiprasa Accord,” said a political analyst. “The BJP is trying to buy time and pacify the Tipra Motha to ensure its continued support. The meeting is a clear attempt to send a signal to the Tipra Motha that the BJP is willing to listen to their demands.”
The meeting has also sparked concerns about the potential implications on the state’s alliance politics. The BJP has been facing challenges in maintaining its alliance with the IPFT, which has been critical of the government’s handling of the Tiprasa Accord. If the BJP is able to re-negotiate the accord or make concessions to the Tipra Motha, it could potentially weaken the IPFT’s position and strengthen the BJP’s hand.
The meeting has also raised questions about the role of the Ujjayanta Palace, the ancestral home of the Manikya dynasty, which has been a symbol of Tripura’s rich cultural heritage. The palace has been a focal point of political activity in the state, with many leaders using it as a platform to discuss political issues.
In conclusion, the meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma has sparked a flurry of speculation about the BJP’s intentions in Tripura. While the party has downplayed the significance of the meeting, political observers are skeptical about the nature of their conversation. As the state prepares for the upcoming assembly elections, the meeting has raised important questions about the BJP’s commitment to the Tiprasa Accord and its intentions towards the indigenous communities of Tripura.
