AGARTALA, SEPTEMBER 8: Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee president Ashish Kumar Saha has questioned the recent political understanding between the BJP and Tipra Motha ahead of the upcoming ADC Village Council elections, alleging that the arrangement could divide anti-BJP votes.
Addressing the issue, Saha sought clarity on the agreement reportedly discussed during a recent Delhi meeting involving leaders of the BJP and Tipra Motha.
The Congress leader alleged that the details of the proposed understanding have not been made public, including its implementation timeline, legal framework and specific provisions. He also questioned how the agreement would be executed once the election process and notification are underway.
Saha claimed that the lack of clarity could create confusion among voters, particularly tribal youth. Referring to a recent Facebook Live session by Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, he alleged that key questions surrounding the agreement remained unanswered.
The Congress leader further claimed that the political understanding could have implications beyond the ADC elections and alleged that it was aimed at influencing the opposition vote ahead of the 2028 Tripura Assembly elections.
Saha also criticised Tipra Motha’s role in the ADC administration following its association with the ruling establishment. He questioned whether the party had delivered on its earlier political commitments and alleged that development issues had taken a back seat.
Referring to Tipra Motha’s changing political positions over the years, Saha alleged that the party had adopted different strategies depending on electoral circumstances. He cited the party’s political activities since 2019 and its present position on agreements and alliances as examples of what he described as a calculated approach.
Saha also responded to recent remarks suggesting that Tipra Motha could advise the Congress. He said the Congress was open to suggestions from experts and experienced individuals in areas such as education, healthcare, economy, science and technology, employment and national security.
However, he said the party would not require political advice from individuals or groups that, in Congress’s assessment, are aligned with forces facing allegations of corruption or acting against national interests.
With the ADC Village Council elections approaching, Saha appealed to voters to remain alert to what he described as attempts to divide the opposition vote.
He urged the people of Tripura to remain united and said electoral decisions should be based on the interests of the state and its people rather than political arrangements between parties.
The BJP and Tipra Motha have not, in the statement provided, responded to Saha’s latest allegations.
