Tribals seem to be leaning towards BJP due to its alliance with IPFT, which has been leading a movement for separate statehood for ‘indigenous’ people.
Mandaibazar/Takarjala (Tripura): Tripura has around 31 per cent tribal population, which has traditionally voted for the CPI(M) but this time, the alliance between the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) and the BJP, seems to offer them a tempting option, one which many of them seem to be veering towards.
“I want the BJP to come to power because I like Modi and his work. I will support the IPFT candidate from my seat,” said Rajesh Deb Barman of Harekrishnapara village in the tribal-dominated Mandaibazar assembly constituency.
“The CPI(M) government has done nothing for tribals. Look at our village, we have no roads, no water and no toilets. This is why I support the IPFT’s demand for a separate state,” Rajesh added.
IPFT has been leading a movement demanding a separate state, Twipraland, for the region’s tribal communities since 2009. In July last year, the party launched a blockade in the state that continued for 11 days.
BJP’s strategy to tie up with IPFT, even while claiming it does not support its demands for a separate statehood, is aimed at attracting the tribal votes through its ally, while it gets the Bengali Hindu votes.
The tribals hold key to the 20 ST reserved seats (of 60) in the state and have their presence in 15 others seats.
BJP is contesting in 11 tribal seats, leaving nine for its ally, including Mandaibazar and Takarjala.
The CPI(M), which won 19 of these 20 seats in the last assembly election, has accused the BJP of attempting to play divisive politics by siding with IPFT and inciting the tribals.
“I think the communists should come back to power. I don’t support the IPFT and its activities and the BJP is unknown to me,” said Surendra Deb Barman, another voter from Mandaibazar constituency.
On the ground, however, this alliance may work in the BJP’s favour since it otherwise has little base among the community, despite the RSS’ work among them through its Vanvaasi Kalyan Ashrams.
‘Left is not doing right thing’
Locals allege that the Manik Sarkar-led CPI(M) government is not paying much attention to the welfare of tibals.
“Manik Sarkar earlier did some work for the tribals, but then completely stopped helping us. It is difficult for us to live with the Bengalis here,” said Rajendra Deb Barman, a shopkeeper in Mandaibazar’s main market.
“We are the original inhabitants of Tripura; the Bengalis came from outside but they rule over us. IPFT’s demand for a separate state for us has my full backing,” he added.
Suman Deb Barman, a tailor from the same area, is hopeful that BJP can fulfill IPFT’s demand of a separate state since it is in power at the Centre.
It seems most people who are backing the alliance are doing so because of the IPFT, and not BJP.
“We wouldn’t have backed BJP if they were not in alliance with IPFT. We support the latter and their demand for a separate state,” says Jogesh Deb Barman in Takarjala.
For many, BJP is a ‘divisive force’
Many in the tribal community, however, seem deeply uncomfortable with what they see as BJP and IPFT’s “divisive agenda” and would like to stick to the party they have supported throughout — CPI(M).
“CPI(M) has done good work for us. All these years, they have been there,” said Mangal Deb Barman of Ramchandranagar village in Mandaibazar. “What has IPFT done except cause blockades? We know BJP won’t work for tribals. It only follows a divisive agenda.”
Tricky situation on ground
On the ground, however, this is a tricky line for the BJP to tread. Even though its leadership here has constantly said it does not support the demand for a separate state, its alliance with the IPFT does raise questions.
“We are not fools. We can’t form government with just 20 seats,” BJP’s Tripura in-charge Sunil Deodhar told ThePrint.
“There is a tribal party — IPFT — which we have aligned with. It has a demand of a separate statehood, which we do not support and which we have reiterated a 1000 times,” he added.
When asked how BJP would tackle the issue, Deodhar said, “We tell tribals the entire state is yours, you have been short-changed not by Bengalis but by CPI(M). If you change the government, your problems will be solved.”
Sources said the although BJP had tried to woo Pradyot Deb Barman, Congress state working president and head of Tripura’s royal family, who has some following in the tribal belt, AICC succeeded in making Pradyot do a re-think.
“I don’t think the BJP is playing divisive politics (by aligning with IPFT). It’s pure hypocrisy. They did that in Gorkhaland as well,” Pradyot told ThePrint.
“But this is 2018, people understand such hypocrisy. The BJP should come out clean on whether they want a separate state or not. Else, they are just speaking in two voices in a state like Tripura,” he added.
Tripura goes to polls Sunday and results of will be declared on 3 March.
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