BJP-UDF alliance to contest Tripura elections

Agartala, Jan 21 (UNI) The BJP and United Democratic Front (UDF) today announced that they would jointly contest the upcoming election to the 60-member Tripura Assembly, slated for February 23.

BJP state unit president Nilmani Deb told mediapersons here today that his party would fight in 49 constituencies, while its electoral ally, the UDF would contest the remaining 11 seats.

''Most of the tribal people are supporting us and the bond with the UDF will strengthen our prospects in the coming election,'' Mr Deb said, adding that star campaigners of the party, including L K Advani and Sushma Swaraj, would address the election rally.

''Neither the Left Front nor the Congress cares for the tribal population of the state but the BJP will work for the downtrodden sections of the society,'' he said.

With a seven-point manifesto, the UDF said it did not want fresh non-tribal entity in the ADC area, enforcement of the Armed Forces Special Power Act and wanted the Kokborok language in Roman script, Chakma language through Chakma alphabet and Mog language in Burmese script.

UDF candidates, including former CPI(M) MLA Rabindra Kishore Deb Barma and ADC councilor Budhu Deb Barma, will contest in West and South Tripura districts.

BJP observer for the NE Chandra Shekhar Rao claimed that the alliance would emerge as a major party in the state and the BJP would make a difference in the election this time.

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