Trying for unofficial understanding with Tipra Motha: CPI(M) in Tripura

AGARTALA: The ruling BJP-IPFT alliance will not be able to cross single digit in the Tripura elections, the opposition CPI(M) claimed on Monday, ruling out the possibility of a hung assembly.

Addressing a press conference along with its partner Congress, CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury said their alliance was trying for an ”unofficial understanding” with the Tipra Motha to prevent the division of opposition votes.

”The BJP is now trembling in fear and going through a nightmare that people would reject them and they would be confined to single digit in the upcoming elections,” he claimed. Exuding confidence in securing a majority, state Congress chief Birajit Sinha said when there is no possibility of a hung assembly there is no question of horse trading.

”We would secure an overwhelming majority and form the government,” he said.

Chaudhury said the alliance is trying to reach an unofficial understanding with the Tipra Motha.

”The Congress and CPI(M) had tried to reach an understanding with the TIPRA Motha, but failed. We have a good understanding (with Tipra Motha), so we are trying to reach an unofficial understanding, to support TIPRA Motha candidates where they are stronger. On the other hand, we are also trying to get their support where their candidates are relatively weaker. This initiative was taken so that the opposition votes are not divided,” he said.

Chaudhury said that the BJP came to power in 2018 riding on the promises of delivering good governance, protecting common people’s interests and generating at least 50,000 jobs per year.

”But in their five years of misrule, everything turned to be false, and the government appeared to be autocratic and fascist,” he alleged.

”They rigged all the elections held in their tenure. People lost their right to speak. They implicated our leaders and activists in false cases to create an atmosphere of terror. We are trying to come out of this suffocating condition and restore democracy,” he added.

Chaudhury claimed that the CPI(M) joined hands with the Congress, with whom it has ideological differences, to restore democracy.

The voting for the 60-member assembly will be held on February 16 and counting of votes will take place on March 2.

The CPI(M) will contest 43 seats while other Left Front constituents — the Forward Bloc, RSP and the CPI — will be contesting in one seat each. The Left Front is supporting an independent candidate in the Ramnagar constituency in West Tripura. The Congress is fighting 13 seats as per the seat-sharing agreement.

The Tipra Motha is fighting the elections alone in 42 seats.

Source: Press Trust of India