Tripura: BJP and NDA receive major boost as main opposition Tipra Motha to join coalition government

Agartala: In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have received a substantial boost in Tripura ahead of the 2024 general elections. The Tipra Motha, the primary opposition party in Tripura, is set to join the BJP-led government before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, according to a senior leader of the saffron party.

With 13 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the 60-member assembly, the Tipra Motha is expected to secure two ministerial berths in the coalition government, as stated by the BJP leader. This strategic alliance comes on the heels of a tripartite agreement signed in Delhi, aiming to amicably address various issues faced by the indigenous people of Tripura. The agreement involved representatives from the Tipra Motha, the Tripura government, and the Central government.

“The Tipra Motha is poised to join the BJP-IPFT coalition government before the parliamentary elections. The specific date for the swearing-in of the ministers is yet to be finalised,” announced Rajib Bhattacharjee, the state BJP president. Currently, the Tripura government comprises nine ministers, including Chief Minister Manik Saha. According to existing rules, the state can have a total of 12 ministers, including the Chief Minister.

Leader of the opposition in the assembly, Animesh Debbarma of the Tipra Motha, refrained from providing official comments on the matter. However, reliable sources have confirmed that the decision was reached after a series of meetings, with two Tipra Motha MLAs, including Leader of Opposition Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma, likely to be inducted into the state cabinet.

Tipra Motha chief Pradyut Dev Barman, a scion of the Tripura princely family, is currently in Delhi and is expected to return on Thursday morning. Following his return, he is likely to hold discussions with Chief Minister Manik Saha.

The tripartite agreement, signed on February 2 in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, outlines the commitment to resolving various issues faced by the indigenous people of Tripura. These include matters related to history, land and political rights, economic development, identity, culture, and language, as stated in the official statement released after the agreement.