Crack in Tripura tribal parties over joining NEDA

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

AGARTALA, Sept 6: The regiol political parties of Tripura have divided over the joining in North-East Democratic Alliance, a conglomeration of regiol parties floated by BJP with its headquarters at Guwahati.

The Indigenous tiolist Party of Tripura (INPT) in its meeting on Tuesday has decided to approach BJP for an electoral alliance but another major regiol party the Indigenous Peoples’ Front of Twipra (IPFT) led by N C Debbarma is still maintaining a stubborn attitude over its demand for a separate State. However, the breakaway faction of the IPFT led by Rajeswar Debbarma is very keen align with the BJP.

INPT led by Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawal in a meeting on Tuesday has decided to join hands with BJP in order to oust Left Front form power. They have set a minor condition of seeking clarification from BJP about its proposed state council in place of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council.

But the IPFT led by N C Debbarma is still pursuing a stubborn attitude about their demand for a separate State. When asked about the possibility of joining NEDA, Debbarma categorically said, “We can consider any such proposal only if our demand for a separate State is discussed.”  “Two representatives of the IPFT had attended the first meeting of the NEDA at Guwahati last year only to convey this message and there is no change in our stand,” he added.  

On being asked if the party has received any fresh invitation to join the NEDA he said they have received no formal or informal message so far in this regard.  However, Rajeswar Debbarma, leader of the breakaway faction of the IPFT, said, “We are positive with the move and a fil decision will be taken in a party meeting to be held at Agartala on September 14.”