The nomination submission process for the post of Assembly Speaker in Tripura was marked by the absence of Tipra Motha MLAs alongside the opposition candidate Gopal Roy, despite earlier claims by the Congress that Roy’s name was proposed by CPI-M and Tipra Motha. Interestingly, Tipra Motha did not align themselves with the BJP candidate either.
Amidst the political uncertainty, Pradyot Manikya, the chief of the Tipra Motha party, received a call from Union Home Minister Amit Shah this morning. The two discussed the appointment of an interlocutor for a constitutional solution to address the issues faced by the indigenous people of Tripura. This development is significant in light of Tipra Motha’s demand for a separate state for the Tripuri people and greater autonomy and self-rule.
While Tipra Motha MLAs abstaining from supporting either candidate during the nomination process may seem like a surprising move, it is consistent with the party’s stance of focusing on the larger issues faced by the indigenous communities in Tripura. By staying neutral, Tipra Motha has kept its options open and is positioning itself as a neutral party that is committed to finding a lasting solution for the problems faced by the Tripuri people.
The appointment of an interlocutor by the Union Home Ministry is a welcome development that could lead to a constitutional solution for the indigenous communities in Tripura. It is a positive sign that the government is taking steps towards addressing the grievances of the indigenous people, and the commitment made by Amit Shah must be followed through.
The neutral stance taken by the Tipra Motha MLAs during the nomination submission process is consistent with the party’s focus on the larger issues faced by the indigenous communities in Tripura. The appointment of an interlocutor for a constitutional solution is a positive step toward addressing these issues and finding a lasting solution. The government must now follow through on its commitment to appoint an interlocutor and work towards finding a solution that upholds the constitutional rights of the Tripuri people.
