edited by: Oindrila Mukherjee
Last Update: February 15, 2023, 23:26 IST
The ECI has declared 700 booths out of over 3,000 as ‘sensitive’ for the Tripura Assembly elections. A total of 400 security personnel have been deputed across the state. (Representational Image: Reuters/File)
A total of 269 candidates are contesting for 60 seats in the Legislative Assembly, in a triangular fight between the BJP, the Left-Congress alliance and Tipra Motha. TMC is contesting on 28 seats this time
Election commission of India Out of over 3,000 booths in the state, 700 have been declared ‘sensitive’. A total of 400 security personnel from central forces have been deputed across the state.
Apart from BJP, Left-Congress alliance and Tipra Motha, Trinamool Congress is also contesting on 28 assembly seats this time. The tribal vote is likely to be the biggest factor this time, given the rise of Motha under the leadership of party chief and Tripuri royal family head Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma. Out of 60 seats, 20 tribals will have a decisive opinion.
Tipra Motha did well in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, and now controls it. This is a matter of concern for the ruling BJP, which ousted the Left Front from power in the 2018 elections with a landslide victory after two decades.
Motha has written a demand for a separate state called ‘Greater Tipperaland’. While the saffron party tried hard to join forces with Pradyot Manikya, it was unsuccessful as the tribal-centric party decided to go it alone. Despite being a new entrant into electoral politics at this stage, Motha seems upbeat and confident about his prospects.
BJP and its promise of ‘double engine’
The challenge for the BJP is to come to power for the second time on the promise of its “double engine” development model and ‘Act East’ policy. The party is reportedly facing an anti-incumbency wave in some areas as the tenure of former chief minister Biplab Deb was strongly criticized by the opposition in every possible way. BJP will also fight with the tribal factor.
Left Front, and its new ally
Dethroned after nearly two decades by the BJP in the 2018 assembly elections, the Left Front is nursing the wounds of the past. But it is the surprise tie-up with the Congress that has so far shown positive signs for the party on the ground. The Left is the major player in this alliance and is contesting on 47 seats, while the Congress is contesting on 13 seats. Sources said some leaders of the old party are unhappy with the arrangement.
Congress votes did not shift in the 2016 elections in West Bengal. Will it be the same in Tripura or will the alliance give a tough fight to other players? It remains to be seen.
Tipra Motha, and its fight for Greater Tipperaland
The new kid on the block, Tipra Motha’s demand for a ‘Greater Tippraland’ seems to be its USP. Pradyot Manikya’s party is contesting on 42 seats and those close to the chief believe that they will get more than 15 seats. While it is being said that the party has a strong influence in 20 tribal seats, it remains to be seen whether the TTAADC will convert into votes during the elections.
TMC, and its mini ploy
Trinamool Congress is contesting on 28 seats and is confident of doing well in this election. However, experts say that the party’s momentum during the municipal elections is over.
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