Biplab & Pradyot’s meeting sparks political buzz in Tripura
The political landscape of Tripura has been abuzz with speculation following a surprise meeting between BJP MP Biplab Deb and Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Debbarma at Ujjayanta Palace, the erstwhile royal palace of the erstwhile kingdom of Tripura. The closed-door discussion, reportedly a birthday visit, has raised eyebrows amidst ongoing tensions over the Tiprasa Accord.
For those who may not be aware, the Tiprasa Accord is a contentious agreement signed between the CPI (M) and the IPFT in 2018, which had led to the formation of a coalition government with the BJP. The accord had promised to grant tribal status to the non-tribal population in Tripura and implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, among other demands.
The meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma has triggered a flurry of speculation, with many wondering what could have prompted the two leaders to meet in such a private setting. While Pradyot Debbarma had initially claimed that the meeting was a birthday visit for the former Tripura Chief Minister, many have questioned the veracity of this claim.
One of the main points of contention is the recent threat made by Tipra Motha MLA, Sushanta Deb, to pull support from the BJP-led government in Tripura. Deb had stated that if the government did not fulfill their demands, including implementing the ILP system and granting tribal status to non-tribals, they would reconsider their support.
In light of this, many have seen the meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma as a possible attempt to salvage the Tiprasa Accord and prevent a political crisis in the state. Some have even gone so far as to suggest that the meeting could be a precursor to a larger political realignment in Tripura.
For his part, Biplab Deb has downplayed the significance of the meeting, terming it a “courtesy visit” to mark Pradyot Debbarma’s birthday. However, the fact that the meeting was held in a private setting, without any official protocol or public announcement, has only added to the speculation.
Pradyot Debbarma, on the other hand, has refused to comment on the meeting, fueling further speculation about its purpose. Some have speculated that the meeting could be a precursor to a larger political deal, with the Tipra Motha chief potentially angling for a greater share of power in the state.
The meeting has also raised questions about the future of the Tiprasa Accord, which had been seen as a major achievement for the CPI (M) and the IPFT. With the accord now under strain, many are wondering what the long-term implications could be for the state’s politics.
In a statement, the CPI (M) has expressed concern over the meeting, terming it a “backdoor deal” that could undermine the Tiprasa Accord. The party has called for transparency and accountability in any negotiations between the government and the Tipra Motha.
The BJP, on the other hand, has dismissed the meeting as a “courtesy visit” and has refused to comment on any potential implications for the Tiprasa Accord.
As the political situation in Tripura continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma has set off a firestorm of speculation, with many wondering what the future holds for the state’s politics.
