Agartala: The ruling BJP is set to sacrifice the East Tripura (ST) seat to its newfound ally TIPRA Motha in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, but the latter party has agreed to fight the polls under the BJP’s symbol.
Motha founder and Tripura royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma reiterated on Tuesday in a video message that he will decide on the candidate for the East Tripura constituency and said, “We should fight using the brain, not emotion and physique. I will select the candidate for East Tripura who will fight for the constitutional solution of the Tiprasa (tribal) and not block the prospect.”
He said the time is to remain cool and deal with the situation tactfully, and he mentioned, “Keep our unity stronger to achieve the goals.” This was the understanding reached between TIPRA Motha and BJP leadership at the time of the signing of a tripartite agreement that Motha became a part of the state government.
According to reports, Pradyot’s elder sister, Kirti Singh, who married and settled in Jharkhand, is likely to become the candidate in the East Tripura seat. An indication was available on Monday when Kirti Singh was seen on a dais with Pradyot in a meeting of the party in Khowai.
Despite resentment in TIPRA Motha over the candidature, Pradyot Kishore has already sent his elder sister’s name to the BJP headquarters for final approval and announcement, sources claimed.
However, sources in the BJP here said that the party has reached an understanding with Motha because, keeping them aside, it will be difficult to win the East Tripura seat. The outgoing MP, Rebati Tripura, has been convinced that he will be nominated for the next assembly election from a convenient seat and that he should cooperate with the campaign heart and soul.
Meanwhile, Pradyot’s decision to go with the BJP and join the state government irked the TIPRA Motha rank and file. Angry Motha supporters burned Pradyot’s effigy, protesting against his decision to join the BJP government and his silence over CAA implementation.
Pradyot had to leave Congress after Sonia Gandhi requested that he withdraw the case he filed in the Supreme Court against CAA and NRC. Thereafter, Pradyot resorted to agitation and road blockades, resulting in firing that left many injured.
