Amid tensions between the BJP and its ally TIPRA Motha as well as internal trouble within the saffron party, a closed-door meeting was held Wednesday at the BJP’s state headquarters in Agartala. MP Sambit Patra, who is the BJP’s coordinator for the Northeast, attended the meeting along with Tripura party president and MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, state in-charge Dr Rajdeep Roy, Cabinet ministers and legislators.
Patra’s visit is seen as vital to resolve the internal divisions in the party which is likely to have been caused by the delay in restructuring its state unit after the tenure of its president came to an end. The party is yet to announce a new state president.
The meeting reportedly discussed loopholes in the party’s organisation, resolution of internal issues, and improving ties with TIPRA Motha prior to the village committee elections.
Speaking to reporters, MP Bhattacharjee said, “The main agenda of the meeting is to implement Prime Minister Narendra Modiji’s Har Ghar Swadeshi, Vocal for Local initiative. We shall celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31. Like other states across the country, Tripura will also join the Run for Unity programme. In the meeting, we will also discuss about the party organisation”.
“We have decided to work together to for Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura. Modi-ji is also working towards this. Our state government is working for the development of janjatis (indigenous community),” he added.
Leaders condemn Shantirbazar violence
Bhattacharjee said everyone in the party, including Chief Minister Manik Saha, condemned the violent attack and unrest at Shantirbazar in Dhalai district on October 23 during the 24-hour strike called by Tripura Civil Society, an Agartala-based organisation. The strike was held to seek the implementation of the tripartite Tiprasa Accord signed between the Centre, the Tripura government, and the TIPRA Motha party last year.
Asked if any dialogue was held with TIPRA Motha to work out differences with the ally, he added that Chief Minister Saha recently held a meeting with party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma and the talks will continue.
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A few days ago, Saha had met Debbarma in an attempt to ease tensions in the wake of the strike and subsequent violence. Party sources said the meeting focused on indigenous welfare issues, implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, and village committee elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
Following the meeting with Sambit Patra, CM Saha wrote on Facebook, “Had a courtesy meeting with Hon’ble MP & Northeast Coordinator of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Dr Sambit Patra Ji, at my official residence today. We discussed various key organisational issues.”
Speculations also arose within the BJP regarding a Cabinet reshuffle ahead of the TTAADC polls as Saha is said to have held meetings with a few ministers recently.
Issues with TIPRA Motha
The BJP and Tipra Motha, partners since last year in the state’s ruling coalition government, appear to have hit a rough patch. In August this year, BJP supporters were attacked in Asharambari of Khowai district. Days later, a BJP worker was assaulted in Sepahijala district, prompting Saha to publicly blame the TIPRA Motha for the “violent and undemocratic attack”. He warned that such acts would not be tolerated and asked police to act strictly against perpetrators.
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Both parties have accused each other of poaching workers. The BJP claims several Tipra Motha cadres have joined its ranks since March, while the latter has gained panchayat and mandal-level leaders from the BJP in West Tripura.
