Agartala: Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman on Sunday said his party would not consider joining hands with the BJP unless there was a clear commitment to implement the Tiprasa Accord, as Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha indicated that he may meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his latest visit to New Delhi.
In a social media livestream, Debbarman reiterated that implementation of the Tiprasa Accord remained the only issue on which his party could consider an alliance with the BJP.
“I have made my position clear: The only point of discussion is implementation of the Tiprasa Accord. Otherwise, I see no hope left for an alliance,” he said.
Debbarman ruled out ministerial positions, government posts and chairpersonships in Block Advisory Committees as grounds for entering into an alliance, saying such arrangements would benefit only a limited number of individuals rather than the wider population.
“If I agree for an alliance on these terms, a handful of people hardly 10 to 15 people shall get benefited while the larger interest of lakhs of people will be ignored,” he said.
He said the party’s primary objective was to secure a constitutional solution for the people and urged its Members of District Councils (MDCs) and Executive Members to prioritise public interest over personal gains.
“The day personal interest overshadows the larger public interest, the cause of becoming a public representative gets defeated,” Debbarman said.
The Tipra Motha founder also said he planned to step away from active politics once the Tiprasa Accord was implemented, adding that he would continue contributing in an advisory capacity.
“I will retire from active politics and keep working for people in other fields,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Manik Saha said he was travelling to New Delhi again on Sunday for political engagements and indicated that a meeting with Amit Shah could take place, though no meeting had been officially confirmed.
Speaking to reporters in Agartala, Saha said discussions were possible but that the schedule would depend on the availability of the Union Home Minister.
“I hope we will have discussions. I am not sure whether any meeting will take place or not, but I am going,” Saha said.
He added that there were chances of meeting Shah, noting that organisational meetings were sometimes finalised at short notice.
Several Tipra Motha leaders are currently in New Delhi, adding to speculation about a possible political understanding between the regional party and the BJP.
On complaints over allegedly inflated electricity bills, Saha said his government remained committed to addressing public grievances and would resolve the issues in phases.
“We can’t abandon people with their problems because ultimately we are elected by the voters,” he said.
The Chief Minister also welcomed constructive criticism from opposition parties but alleged that some were attempting to exploit public concerns and provoke people.
On the indefinite strike announced by two organisations representing surrendered militants, Saha said their demands would be examined in accordance with agreements previously signed with surrendered militant groups.
He said officials had been asked to determine whether any concessions could be made within the existing agreements. Saha also expressed willingness to meet the aggrieved former militants if such an interaction could contribute to resolving their grievances.