Agartala, August 25: Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday acknowledged differences between the BJP and its NDA ally Tipra Motha, but expressed confidence that the two parties would eventually reach a “unanimous conclusion”, signalling the possibility of an understanding ahead of the forthcoming TTAADC village council elections.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme at Pragya Bhavan for distributing appointment offers to doctors, Saha said differences were natural among political partners and could be resolved through dialogue and negotiations.
“Sometimes they want something, we don’t want something. Ultimately, we will come to a conclusion. A unanimous conclusion will be there, and we will inform you,” the Chief Minister said.
Saha’s remarks come amid continuing differences over the implementation of the March 2024 Tripartite Agreement involving the Centre, Tripura government and Tipra Motha. Party supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma has repeatedly raised concerns over delays in implementing the agreement and pressed the BJP-led government to fulfil its commitments.
Asked why the agreement was taking time to implement despite being based on common understandings, Saha said it “should be done”, but indicated that the manner in which Tipra Motha wants the provisions implemented may not be acceptable in its entirety.
“It should be done, because the way these people want it, it may not be sorted out in that manner. Ultimately the time will come that they also will agree,” he said.
The Chief Minister did not announce any formal electoral arrangement but suggested that discussions between the alliance partners could pave the way for a common position ahead of the village council polls.
Saha also highlighted his government’s development agenda, particularly in employment, healthcare and education. He said the state had witnessed visible changes and pointed to the appointment of personnel across sectors as evidence of efforts to create employment opportunities.
Taking a swipe at the previous CPI(M)-led Left Front government, Saha said his government had adopted a different approach focused on development and delivery.
“We are people who work. We have come out to work for the state and the country,” he said.
With the TTAADC village council elections approaching, the ability of the BJP and Tipra Motha to resolve differences over the Tripartite Agreement and settle an electoral understanding could prove politically significant, particularly in the tribal areas of Tripura.
