AGARTALA: As the Lok Sabha elections draws near, the political landscape of Tripura is witnessing unprecedented shifts and alliances.
In an unexpected turn of events, the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), CPI(M), have joined forces, marking a historic collaboration in Tripura’s electoral history.
For the first time in 72 years, the Congress and Left parties have set aside their differences to present a united front against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
This alliance is poised to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections, aiming to challenge the BJP’s stronghold in the state.
The battleground for the Tripura West Lok Sabha seat is set, with former Tripura chief minister and BJP candidate, Biplab Kumar Deb, facing off against Ashish Kumar Saha, the state president of the Congress, representing the INDIA bloc.
Saha’s journey from being a BJP member to leading the Congress in Tripura reflects the dynamic political landscape of the state. Alongside sitting Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, Saha parted ways with the BJP in February 2022, a move that underscores the shifting loyalties and alliances in Tripura’s political arena.
In the upcoming election, the Left Front, traditionally pitted against the Congress, has joined hands with its erstwhile rival, signalling a significant realignment of political forces in the state.
The BJP, which has held power in Tripura since 2018, faces a formidable challenge from this newfound unity among opposition parties.
Meanwhile, in preparation for the electoral showdown, the BJP is gearing up for a crucial meeting with leaders of the Indigenous Front of Tripura (IPFT) and its new-found partner Tipra Motha.
Scheduled for March 25 at Agartala’s Hotel Sonar Tori, this gathering is expected to bring together 100 leaders and workers from various parties, setting the stage for intense political deliberations and strategising ahead of the polls.
