Tripura CPI(M) secretary Jitendra Chowdhary (right) and state Congress president Birjit Sinha at their residence to plan a joint campaign on February 03, 2023. , Photo credit: Rahul Karmakar
Rivals for decades Left Front and Congress have reached an agreement on seat sharing for february 16 assembly elections To oust the “divisive and dangerous” BJP from Tripura.Before their meeting to strategize a joint operation, Jitendra ChowdharyCPI(M) State Secretary and candidate from Sabroom seat, and Birjit SinhaSpoke to State Congress President and party candidate from Kailashahar Hindu‘S Rahul Karmakar Why did they need to end their rivalry by first uprooting the BJP from Tripura in order to save the country? Excerpts from the interview:
Did the Left Front and the Congress take into account the failed experiment of West Bengal while negotiating seat sharing?
Jitendra Chowdhary: One cannot compare West Bengal with Tripura, two completely different states with different dynamics. Uneasiness to get rid of Jungle Raj and make Tripura BJP- free (free). For the past five years, the BJP has used Tripura as a laboratory to create a model for spreading hatred across the country and destroying all constitutional values. Our pre-poll compromise was spontaneous because the people of the state felt that we needed to send a message to the nation that Tripura must first save its constitution and its secular, democratic fabric by uprooting the BJP.
How are people used to your rivalry taking your pre-poll understanding?
JC: We had, are and will have differences [the Left Front and the Congress party], We were like next door neighbors not talking, it was realized after five years of misrule and oppression by the BJP that if one’s house is on fire, the other will douse the flames and put out their own houses. Can jump in to save. turned to ashes. People want to avoid getting scorched by the divisive fire lit by the BJP.
Birjit Sinha: People are understanding our understanding as they see the bigger picture and want to avenge the pain given to them by BJP for five years. Strategic alliances cannot avoid local discontent, but we are telling our supporters that we are sailing in the same boat in deep waters. If there is any attempt to sink the boat, everyone will drown, so we have to keep the boat afloat. We have ironed out our differences over seat-sharing and are strategizing our joint campaign for maximum results when Tripura goes to polls on February 16.
Will failing to strike a pre-poll deal with Tipra Motha hurt your chances?
JC: The alliance efforts were not one-sided. President of Tipra Motha (Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma) publicly stated that we need to make an understanding to avoid division of anti-BJP votes. We tried to arrange seat-sharing till the last moment, but we still have time to support the strongest candidate, be it from Tipra Motha or the Left Front-Congress alliance, to ensure BJP’s defeat.
Some suspect that Tipra Motha and the BJP are eyeing a post-poll deal and that Tipra Motha may spoil the prospects of the Left Front-Congress candidates in the 22 non-Scheduled Tribe constituencies.
JC: There is no point in discussing the post-poll scenario, although the BJP violated the Model Code of Conduct by involving the Home Ministry in discussions with Tipra Motha in Delhi. Motha differs from many tribe-based parties in the past that raised slogans against national integration and the constitution, and demanded independence and expulsion of perceived non-indigenous peoples. By fielding candidates beyond the 20 Scheduled Tribe constituencies, Motha has indicated that it is an inclusive party and seeks to take tribal and non-tribal people along.
Does the Left-Congress agree with Motha’s ‘Greater Tipraland’ call?
JC: Unlike other parties that cater to the aspirations of indigenous people, Motha has always sought solutions within the constitutional framework. We have no problem if Greater Tipperaryland translates into socio-economic upliftment of Indigenous peoples. but we will oppose it [if it] Violates the territorial integrity of Tripura.
What challenges are you facing?
BS: Unprecedented violence by the ruling dispensation and blatant misuse of government machinery by the BJP to retain power at any cost.
JC: If the Election Commission (ECI) succeeds in conducting free and fair elections, as it has assured, the BJP [which won 36 seats in 2018] Will have to struggle to reach double digits. But if the ECI fails, we are confident that voters will stop them, even if it means being bruised and battered. The Left-Congress alliance has raised its strength, enthusiasm and confidence to show the door to an oppressive regime.