Biplab & Pradyot’s meeting sparks political buzz in Tripura
Tripura, a small northeastern state in India, is abuzz with political speculation after a surprise meeting between BJP MP Biplab Deb and Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Debbarma at Ujjayanta Palace. The closed-door discussion has raised eyebrows, particularly in the wake of recent tensions over the Tiprasa Accord and threats by a Tipra MLA to pull support from the BJP-led Tripura government.
The meeting, which was initially touted as a birthday visit, has sparked intense speculation about the motives behind the get-together. The two leaders, who have been at odds over the Tiprasa Accord, a tripartite agreement between the state government, the Centre, and the Tipra Motha, could not have chosen a more opportune moment to meet.
The Tiprasa Accord, signed in 2021, aimed at addressing the grievances of the indigenous Tiprasa community, particularly their demand for separate statehood. However, the agreement has been criticized by many, including the Tipra Motha, which claims it does not address the community’s concerns.
The meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma has reignited tensions, with many political observers questioning the intentions behind the closed-door discussion. While the BJP MP has downplayed the meeting, calling it a “birthday visit,” Pradyot Debbarma has refused to comment, fueling speculation about the nature of their conversation.
The timing of the meeting is significant, considering the recent threats by Tipra MLA, Pramod Reang, to pull support from the BJP-led government. Reang, who is also the MLA from the Sonamura constituency, has been vocal about his party’s discontent with the Tiprasa Accord and the government’s handling of the issue.
The Tipra Motha, which has been a key stakeholder in the state’s politics, has been pushing for a separate statehood for the Tiprasa community. The organization has been critical of the BJP-led government, accusing it of not doing enough to address the community’s grievances.
The meeting between Biplab Deb and Pradyot Debbarma has sparked concerns about the BJP’s strategy to placate the Tipra Motha and keep the party’s support. The BJP, which has been in power in Tripura since 2018, is known for its electoral arithmetic, and the meeting could be a move to strengthen its position ahead of the upcoming elections.
Political analysts point out that the meeting may be a precursor to a larger political realignment in Tripura. “The BJP is trying to shore up its support by reaching out to the Tipra Motha,” said a political analyst, who wished to remain anonymous. “The meeting is a clear indication that the BJP is willing to compromise on its stance on the Tiprasa Accord to maintain its hold on power.”
The Tipra Motha, on the other hand, may be using the meeting to exert pressure on the government to address its demands. “The Tipra Motha is a significant player in Tripura’s politics, and it will not hesitate to withdraw its support if its demands are not met,” said another political analyst.
The meeting has also raised questions about the role of Pradyot Debbarma, who has been a vocal critic of the BJP-led government. His willingness to meet with Biplab Deb, a key figure in the BJP’s Tripura unit, has sparked concerns about his party’s stance on the Tiprasa Accord.
In the midst of the political speculation, the people of Tripura are left wondering about the implications of the meeting. Will it lead to a compromise on the Tiprasa Accord, or is it a ploy by the BJP to maintain its grip on power? Only time will tell.
