Biplab & Pradyot’s meeting sparks political buzz in Tripura
The political landscape of Tripura has been abuzz with speculation and intrigue following a surprise meeting 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 was described as a “birthday visit”, has raised eyebrows and triggered concerns about the future of the Tiprasa Accord, a crucial agreement that has helped to pave the way for Tipra Motha’s emergence as a significant political force in the state.
The meeting, which took place on a recent Saturday, was shrouded in mystery, with neither side providing any details about the nature of the discussion. However, sources close to the development have revealed that the two leaders engaged in a closed-door discussion that lasted for over an hour. While the BJP has sought to downplay the significance of the meeting, claiming that it was nothing more than a social visit to mark Pradyot’s birthday, many have expressed skepticism about the true nature of the encounter.
The timing of the meeting could not have been more significant. Just days earlier, Tipra Motha MLA and party spokesperson, Sudhangshu Debbarma, had issued a veiled threat to withdraw support from the BJP-led government in Tripura if the party did not address the demands of the Tiprasa community. The statement was seen as a clear warning shot across the bow, and many have speculated that Biplab’s meeting with Pradyot was an attempt to mend fences and prevent a potential crisis.
The Tiprasa Accord, which was signed in 2019, was hailed as a major breakthrough in Tripura’s politics. The accord recognized the Tiprasa community, which has long been marginalized and excluded from power, as a distinct ethnic group with its own language, culture, and identity. The agreement also committed the BJP-led government to implement a range of measures to promote the economic and social development of the community.
However, despite the initial euphoria, the implementation of the accord has been slow and patchy. Many within the Tiprasa community have expressed frustration and disappointment at the lack of progress, citing a lack of transparency and accountability in the government’s implementation of the agreement.
In recent weeks, tensions have been escalating between the Tipra Motha and the BJP, with the former accusing the latter of reneging on its commitments under the accord. The meeting between Biplab and Pradyot has only added to the sense of unease and uncertainty, with many speculating about the potential consequences for the Tiprasa Accord and the future of Tripura’s politics.
The BJP, meanwhile, has sought to downplay the significance of the meeting, claiming that it was simply a social visit and that there is no substance to the speculation about backdoor politics. “It was a birthday visit, and nothing more,” said a senior BJP leader, who wished to remain anonymous. “Biplab and Pradyot have known each other for a long time, and it’s only natural that they would meet up to wish each other well.”
However, many within the Tipra Motha have expressed skepticism about the BJP’s version of events. “We know that the BJP is trying to spin this as a birthday visit, but we’re not buying it,” said a senior Tipra Motha leader. “The timing of the meeting is too suspicious, and we demand transparency about what was discussed. The Tiprasa community is watching, and we won’t be fooled by the BJP’s attempts to hide the truth.”
As the political intrigue continues to swirl around the meeting between Biplab and Pradyot, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the outcome of this unexpected encounter will have far-reaching consequences for the future of Tripura’s politics.
