BJP ties up with NC Debbarma-led faction IPFT, rules out alliance with NCT, INPT

GUWAHATI: In its strategy for Tripura, the BJP has decided for the time being that there will be no tie-up with National Conference of Tripura (NCT) and Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT).

The party has already tied up with NC Debbarma-led faction of Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT). This party is likely to get 10 to 11 seats.

BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav and party's Tripura election in-charge Himanta Biswa Sarma held a marathon meeting with NCT and INPT. However, nothing worked out as both the parties wanted six seats each and BJP was not ready to give them more than two seats.

Sarma told ET, "We have formed an alliance with IPFT. As of now, we are not going to have alliance with other parties."

A senior BJP leader, who do not want to be named said, "The party has done its groundwork and found that it is enough for it if it ties up with NC Debbarma's IPFT which has a substantial base in the tribal areas."

A third of the 60 assembly seats are reserved for tribal. The leader added, "We have done ground survey and found that BJP will be comfortable with IPFT, which is the largest party among the tribal groups."

Formal announcement of alliance and seat sharing for Tripura polls will be made by BJP leadership very soon.

Congress had discussion with NCT and INPT and Rajeshwar Debbarma-led Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT). On last Friday, these parties had initial parleys with the Congress in Agartala.

A senior Congress leader said, "We had talks with these parties. However, final call in this regard will be taken by AICC."