Agartala: Ahead of forthcoming village committee elections under Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (ADC), a high-level meeting was held in New Delhi between Union home minister Amit Shah, Tripura chief minister Manik Saha and Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarman on Friday.The meeting has intensified speculation over a possible political understanding between BJP and Motha. Saha described the discussions as “fruitful and constructive”, saying the talks focused on matters of mutual interest as well as development and welfare of the people of Tripura.Sources said the meeting, held at Shah’s residence, primarily focused on issues concerning the state’s indigenous tribal population, implementation of the tripartite agreement and preparations for forthcoming village committee elections.Shah assured Tipra Motha functionaries that steps would be taken to implement the tripartite accord in two phases, sources said. The pact has remained a major political demand of the outfit and a key talking point between Motha and BJP.Discussions also covered land rights for indigenous communities, with Shah assuring that these would be addressed under provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Union govt is expected to grant these land rights shortly.The talks also included an assurance to protect and preserve the identity, culture and interests of indigenous tribal communities. With these developments, the possibility of a BJP-Tipra Motha alliance appears to have strengthened significantly ahead of the forthcoming village committee elections.
