In an unexpected turn of events, Abu Khayer Miah, a prominent leader from the Tipra Motha party, has been suspended for openly endorsing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the upcoming by-elections in Tripura. Miah, who had previously contested the Tripura assembly elections under the Tipra Motha banner but faced defeat, was caught seeking votes for the ruling BJP in a video clip that quickly went viral on social media.
The video, believed to be from Sepahijala district, depicted Abu Khayer Miah passionately advocating for votes in favor of the BJP for the Boxanagar assembly seat by-election. The footage caused an uproar within the ranks of Tipra Citizens’ Forum, an affiliate of Tipra Motha, prompting them to demand immediate disciplinary action against Miah for his actions.
Responding to the incident, Animesh Debbarma, a prominent figure within the party, addressed the press in Agartala. He conveyed that the party’s leadership, including President BK Hrangkhawl and other senior members, took a grave view of Miah’s actions. As a consequence, Miah has been suspended from the party for a period of six months due to his blatant violation of party discipline. Furthermore, he has been directed to abstain from participating in any of the party’s election-related activities during the upcoming by-polls.
Debbarma underlined the severity of the transgression, noting that Miah had overstepped the boundaries of the party’s principles by actively promoting the BJP. The Tipra Motha party, which is yet to declare its support for any candidate in the upcoming by-elections, has expressed its disappointment in Miah’s actions.
With the by-elections for the Dhanpur and Boxanagar assembly constituencies in Sepahijala district scheduled for September 5, the party has refrained from fielding any candidates of its own. An important meeting on August 22 has been set for the purpose of deciding which candidate the Tipra Motha party will extend its support to.
Interestingly, the BJP is set to contest against the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in the by-elections, as both the Tipra Motha party and the Congress have decided not to participate. The Boxanagar constituency’s by-poll became necessary due to the unfortunate passing of CPI-M MLA Samsul Haque. Simultaneously, the resignation of Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik as the Dhanpur MLA led to the requirement of a by-election for that seat.
In response to the impending by-elections, the CPI-M-led Left Front has introduced Kaushik Chanda and Mijan Husain as its candidates for the Dhanpur and Boxanagar assembly constituencies, respectively. In contrast, the BJP has nominated Taffajal Hussain for the Boxanagar assembly seat and Bindu Debnath for the Dhanpur segment.
As the political landscape in Tripura continues to evolve, Miah’s suspension serves as a reminder of the significance of party discipline and unity, especially during critical election periods. With both the BJP and CPI-M vying for electoral victory in the by-polls, the Tipra Motha party’s endorsement could prove influential in shaping the outcome of these closely watched elections.
