Agartala, Aug 30: Former Tripura Chief Minister and West Tripura Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb received a rousing welcome on Sunday on his return to the state after being appointed as a national general secretary of the BJP.
Deb has been inducted into the BJP’s new national office-bearers team headed by newly appointed party president Nitin Nabin. Thousands of BJP workers gathered at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala and later at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, where the Tripura Pradesh BJP organised a felicitation programme.
Addressing party workers, Deb dedicated his new organisational responsibility to the people of Tripura and BJP workers who, he said, worked tirelessly to establish the party in the state. Describing Tripura as his “Karmabhumi”, Deb said he had never forgotten the state and that every party worker remained close to his heart.
Deb recalled his role in the BJP’s rise in Tripura, noting that the party ended the Left Front’s 25-year rule and formed its first government in the state under his leadership. He also highlighted the organisational responsibilities assigned to him in poll-bound states, including Haryana, West Bengal and Delhi.
Urging BJP workers to strengthen their grassroots connect, Deb asked them to devote additional time each day to visiting households in their areas and listening to people’s concerns. He stressed that humility, compassion and a caring attitude were essential qualities for an effective party worker.
“Arrogance is your biggest enemy,” Deb said, encouraging workers to remain committed, hopeful and determined.
Deb also recalled BJP workers who were killed during the Left rule in Tripura and said some losses could never be compensated.
Speaking to the media later, Deb said the CPI(M) had little political space left in Tripura, though he acknowledged the importance of a strong opposition in a democracy. He questioned the Left’s prospects for revival, claiming development, employment and economic growth were not central to its political agenda.
On BJP’s relationship with Tipra Motha, Deb said he maintained a personal relationship with party supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya but asserted that the BJP’s interests would always take precedence. He said two leaders had been entrusted by the party high command with holding talks with Tipra Motha and their reports would clarify the status of the discussions.
Later, Deb visited the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.
