Tripura Bypolls: 'BJP Eyes Easy Win After Tipra Motha's Decision To Not Contest'

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has expressed confidence that the BJP will benefit from the main opposition Tipra Motha's decision to abstain from participating in the upcoming by-elections in the northeastern state. However, the CPI(M) has argued that this move will lead to a consolidation of anti-BJP votes.

Tipra Motha announced on Friday that it would not support any party in the by-elections for two assembly constituencies, Dhanpur and Boxanagar, scheduled for September 5.

Chief Minister Manik Saha stated, "The Tipra Motha's decision is significant as they did not join the opposition's bid to consolidate anti-BJP votes. Our party will certainly gain from this decision. I believe the BJP will win both the assembly constituencies by impressive margins."

Saha, who has been actively campaigning for the by-elections, pointed out that there was a "misconception" about the BJP among the people. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan of "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas" (Together with All, Development for All) had helped dispel this misconception, as it signifies the PM's commitment to work for all sections of society.

On the other hand, CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chowdhury claimed that Tipra Motha workers were collaborating with Left activists on the ground. He described Tipra Motha's decision as strategic and asserted that it would prevent a division of anti-BJP votes.

The by-elections will be held on September 5, with the counting of votes scheduled for September 8. The bypoll in the Boxanagar constituency was triggered by the passing of CPI(M) MLA Samsul Haque, while the resignation of Union minister Pratima Bhoumik as the legislator of Dhanpur necessitated the bypoll in that seat.

The CPI(M)-led Left Front has nominated Kaushik Chanda and Mijan Husain as its candidates for the Dhanpur and Boxanagar assembly constituencies, respectively. The BJP has put forward Taffajal Hussain for the Boxanagar assembly seat and Bindu Debnath for the Dhanpur segment.

Tipra Motha President B K Hrangkhawl confirmed that the party would not field any candidates in the by-elections and would not endorse any specific candidate. This decision comes after Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Debbarma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the rights and welfare of indigenous people ahead of the by-elections.

The demand for the creation of a separate "Greater Tipraland" for the state's tribal population has been a prominent issue. However, it has not been explicitly defined and is believed to include parts of several other northeastern states and Bangladesh, in addition to Tripura.