Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to visit Tripura on May 8th to assess the progress of the Reang refugee rehabilitation centres. During his visit, he will review the utilization of the Rs 660 crore package announced by the Centre for the purpose. Additionally, there is speculation that he may meet with the leaders of the ‘Tipra Motha’ regarding their demand for an ‘interlocutor’ to address the problems and grievances of the tribals. Amit Shah’s visit is seen as an attempt to woo the Reang refugee voters, who number around 11,000, for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The administration has already begun preparations for Amit Shah’s visit to the state, which will include visits to all the Reang refugee rehabilitation centres in Kanchanpur, Amarpur, and Shilacherri by helicopter. He will also meet with a delegation of the ‘Tipra Motha’ during his visit. However, the NEDA chief and Assam BJP Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed the ‘Tipra Motha’ leaders to remain silent on the issue of an ‘interlocutor.’ Sources within the BJP suggest that Amit Shah will primarily focus on wooing the Reang refugee voters who may play a crucial role in the East Tripura (ST) seat.
Amit Shah is also expected to announce a further package for the Reang refugees who are being rehabilitated in Tripura. With the state and central governments’ efforts to assist the refugees, it is anticipated that they will vote for the BJP candidate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Overall, Amit Shah’s visit to Tripura is aimed at consolidating the BJP’s position in the state and securing support from various communities.
