Talks between Tipra Motha and BJP may resume, says Assam CM

Tripura: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the talks between the BJP and the Tipra Motha may resume on the condition of an "undivided Tripura". The BJP retained power in the state and Tipra Motha emerged as the second-largest party.

Sarma told the media that the election results are a great victory and reaffirmation of faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reported NDTV. He has led several rounds of talks with the tribal-based party's leader Pradyot Kishore Debbarma.

The demand for a separate state 'Greater Tipraland' has been the focus of Debbarma's campaign and the BJP has demanded that the Tipra Motha party drops the idea. Ahead of the election, the former royal said that the trial party is maintaining equal distance from the ruling BJP and the opposition CPM-Congress alliance. "I am not ready to compromise for the cause of Greater Tipraland."

The BJP had earlier reached out for an alliance but Tipra Motha stuck with the demand for statehood and the talks fell through. "Unless we get in writing from the government of India that our demands will be met constitutionally, I will not form any alliance," said Debbarma.

Sarma addressed the issue and said the BJP is ready to talk about the grievances of the tribal people but not a separate state. "Tipra Motha has raised certain issues for the development of the tribal people. Without dividing the state of Tripura, we are ready to talk to them and resolve the grievances of the tribal people. But we cannot talk about Greater Tipraland. Tripura would remain united and whatever needs to be addressed with regard to the central or state government level would be done."