Tripura: BJP’s ally IPFT will protest in Delhi on August 23 over the demand for a separate state.

AGARTALA: To regain its lost ground and prove its relevance, the junior partner in the BJP-led government in Tripura, the IPFT, has decided to go for the Delhi Abhiyan on August 23.

Through the event, the party will reiterate its core demand for a separate state with the geographical area under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council.

IPFT chief and forest minister NC Debbarma said on Saturday, “The IPFT protest will organize the Delhi Abhiyan on August 23 next, as per its previously announced programme. As part of the Abhiyan, IPFT leaders will protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar for separate statehood. IPFT delegates will leave for Delhi on August 18.
The minister was giving a briefing to media representatives on the occasion of the party’s fifth central executive committee conference held at the Agartala Press Club.

He said that we have unanimously approved several resolutions related to the development and expansion of the party.

The IPFT has faced a massive erosion of support due to the rise of TIPRA as its rival.

The party suffered a shock defeat in the TTAADC elections, an area that was considered the IPFT’s stronghold.

The party’s apparent silence on its core demand after being voted to power gave Tipra the space to ride to victory.
Cracks in the party rank and file weaken the party from within and without.

Although the party remains in power, it has been wiped out from the entire state and its cadre strength has significantly reduced over time. However, with rifts growing from within, the fate of the IPFT hangs in the balance in the 2023 assembly polls, political observers said.