Agartala: A fresh wave of political uncertainty has gripped Tripura after Tipra Motha Party (TMP) MLA Ranjit Debbarma publicly threatened to withdraw support from the BJP-led coalition government, citing unfulfilled promises regarding the crucial Tiprasa Accord. The dramatic pronouncement on July 5th has put Chief Minister Manik Saha in a tight spot, though he has, for now, chosen to maintain a diplomatic silence on the matter.
Debbarma’s assertive stance stems from what he claims is a failure to implement the accord, a landmark tripartite agreement signed in New Delhi more than a year ago to address long-standing issues of Tripura’s indigenous population. “He belongs to a separate party. What he is saying is his view. It is not wise for me to pass any comment on the statement,” the Chief Minister tersely told reporters when quizzed about Debbarma’s ultimatum.
The TMP, a significant ally in the northeastern state’s ruling coalition, joined forces with the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, securing two ministerial berths and holding 13 seats in the 60-member assembly. Despite Debbarma’s threat, the BJP-led government appears numerically secure, commanding 33 MLAs along with the backing of an IPFT legislator, even if the TMP were to pull out.
However, the political optics are far from ideal. The Tiprasa Accord, inked in March 2024 with the Centre and the state government, was hailed as a pivotal step towards the overall development of the indigenous people. Chief Minister Saha, while acknowledging the delay, affirmed he is in constant communication with TMP supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma. “The process is on to implement the Tiprasa Accord linked to the development of the indigenous people of the northeastern state,” Saha stated, attempting to assuage concerns.
Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, TMP supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma distanced himself from MLA Ranjit Debbarma’s specific statement, saying, “I don’t know about the statement made by our MLA Ranjit Debbarma, but I will surely talk to him.” However, he crucially validated the underlying sentiment of discontent. “Today, I had a conversation with Chief Minister Manik Saha, and I told him that it has been 18 months since the Tiprasa Accord was signed.” He further added, “If MLA Debbarma spoke about withdrawing support from the government, it would be out of frustration because a sense of genuine frustration and insecurity is prevailing in the rural areas.” The coming days will reveal whether this frustration escalates into a full-blown political crisis or if a resolution can be found to uphold the spirit of the Tiprasa Accord.
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