BJP primary rival in upcoming ADC polls, not Tipra Motha: GMP

The Tripura Rajya Upajati Ganamukti Parishad (GMP), the indigenous wing of the Left Front, on Saturday announced that it will contest the forthcoming elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), identifying the BJP as its principal political opponent and Tipra Motha as a secondary challenger.

Addressing a press conference at the CPI(M) state headquarters in Agartala, newly re-elected GMP General Secretary Radha Charan Debbarma accused the BJP of curtailing the limited autonomy that the ADC enjoyed during the Left Front’s tenure. He alleged that the ADC is currently facing a severe financial crisis due to the state government’s denial of funds and its failure to check irregularities under the Tipra Motha-led administration.

Debbarma further claimed that corruption has become rampant within the ADC, alleging that elected representatives are leasing out or taking over ADC land and transferring it to private parties. He also alleged that several development initiatives undertaken during the Left Front regime are being deliberately undermined.

He informed that the Left Front has adopted a 10-point charter of demands and would launch a series of agitations to press for their implementation. Debbarma said residents of ADC areas have begun protesting against what he described as the “misleading politics” of both the BJP and Tipra Motha, expressing confidence that the Left Front would perform well in the upcoming elections.

GMP President Naresh Jamatia, who was also present at the press conference, accused Tipra Motha of maintaining links with surrendered militant elements. He blamed the state government for failing to provide adequate funds to the ADC and alleged that the authorities have not been properly monitoring its functioning.

Jamatia said senior ministers and officials rarely visit the ADC headquarters to assess ground realities, adding that regular reviews would have exposed the poor condition of the administration.

Meanwhile, the two-day 23rd Central Conference of the GMP concluded on Thursday at the Agartala Town Hall. During the conference, new organisational bodies were formed. Naresh Jamatia was re-elected as president of the state committee, while Radha Charan Debbarma and Pranab Debbarma were elected as assistant general secretaries.

The party also constituted a 25-member executive committee with the induction of six new members and formed a new 139-member state committee, including two invitees, party leaders said.