Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Sunday left for New Delhi for political engagements, indicating that he could meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah amid speculation over the future course of the BJP-TIPRA Motha alliance.
Speaking to reporters in Agartala before his departure, Saha said no meeting had been confirmed but discussions were likely during his stay in the national capital.
“There are chances that a meeting will be held with Union Home Minister Amit Shah,” Saha said, adding that organisational meetings are often finalised at the last moment.
The Chief Minister said he had initially planned to remain in Delhi for political engagements but returned to Tripura on Saturday for a day to attend to several activities.
“I was supposed to stay in Delhi for the political engagements, but I thought if I can stay here for one day, I can have several productive activities, which is why I rushed to Agartala,” he said.
Saha’s visit assumes political significance amid discussions over the BJP’s future electoral understanding with TIPRA Motha. Several leaders of the regional party are already in New Delhi, where talks on the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord have also resumed.
Meanwhile, responding to public resentment over allegedly high electricity bills, Saha said his government was committed to addressing grievances in a phased manner.
“This government stands for solving problems. This government is not like the previous government which used to survive on problems,” he said.
The Chief Minister said some issues could be resolved immediately while others required time, stressing that the government could not abandon people facing difficulties as it was accountable to voters.
He also said the government welcomed constructive criticism from the Opposition but alleged that attempts were being made to exploit the electricity bill issue and provoke people.
On the indefinite strike announced by two organisations representing surrendered militants, Saha said the government would examine their demands in accordance with the accords signed with former proscribed outfits.
He said surrendered militants could have additional demands, but the government would have to consider what had been agreed upon in the accords.
Saha said officials had been directed to examine whether any relaxation could be provided within the existing framework.
The Chief Minister also expressed willingness to meet representatives of the surrendered militants, saying he was ready for talks if a meeting could help resolve their grievances.
