Correspondent
BJP Gaining Tribal Support in Tripura Amidst TIPRA Motha Issues.
Dr Saha highlighted that the BJP has been making progress in gaining support from the tribal communities in Tripura, which were previously influenced by the tribal outfit TIPRA Motha. However, TIPRA Motha is currently facing its own issues.
Addressing Manipur's past troubles, particularly ethnic clashes, Dr Saha remained hopeful that these issues would be resolved in due course. Recently, there were demonstrations in Tripura by Kuki and other tribes, protesting the ongoing violence in Manipur.
In both Tripura and Manipur, there have been discussions about seeking greater autonomy and funds for the respective tribal areas. TIPRA Motha is in talks with the Tripura government and the Central government to gain more autonomy for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), which they currently control. Similarly, in Manipur, the Kuki and other tribal communities are demanding separate administration or greater autonomy from the state to address the ongoing race riots.
Despite the ongoing talks in Tripura and the potential negotiations with Kuki leaders in Manipur, Dr Saha believes that the BJP's prospects for the 2024 Parliamentary elections will not be significantly affected. He hinted at the possibility of internal divisions within TIPRA Motha, which might lead to an erosion of their voter base.
In the previous elections, TIPRA Motha secured 13 seats in the 60-member Tripura assembly and nearly 20 percent of the votes, playing a crucial role in the BJP's victory. The RSS and BJP have been actively engaging with tribal communities, while the Congress and CPI(M) also hold their own influence in tribal areas.
Regarding speculations about TIPRA Motha joining the BJP government as part of a 'peace' deal, Dr Saha clarified that there is currently no such proposal. However, he did not rule out the possibility of future negotiations, emphasizing that in politics, anything is possible. Dr Saha expressed confidence that his party would win both Lok Sabha seats from Tripura, with one of them being reserved for tribals. He cited the Prime Minister's Act East policy, which has brought significant infrastructure projects to the region, including new highways and railways.
Dr Saha further pointed out that the road from Sabroom in Tripura to Chittagong would enhance connectivity to Southeast Asia, while the railway line through Bangladesh would reduce travel time to Kolkata and other major Indian cities. These developments are expected to have a positive impact on the region's growth and connectivity.