The ruling BJP and its alliance partner Tipra Motha are set to hold a crucial meeting on Sunday evening to discuss seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming Village Committee (VC) elections in Tripura, scheduled to be held on September 28.

The meeting assumes significance following a recent discussion between Tipra Motha leaders and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, where issues related to the implementation of the Tripartite Agreement and the rights of indigenous people were also discussed.

Speaking to reporters after returning to Agartala from Delhi, Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma described the meeting with Shah as “fruitful” and said the Centre is expected to send a delegation to Tripura shortly for further consultations.

“We have been demanding and protesting for the rights of indigenous people, particularly land rights. We discussed the issues that were agreed upon by the Centre. Soon, a delegation from the Centre will visit Tripura and hold discussions with royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma and other members of society,” Debbarma said.

He added that he had spoken with Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, who had confirmed the proposed consultations.

“We are hopeful that the implementation process of the Tripartite Agreement will begin within this month. Land rights are particularly important and may require amendments. The agreement will be implemented step by step,” he said.

On the proposed BJP-Tipra Motha alliance for the VC elections, Debbarma said representatives of both parties would meet in Agartala on Sunday evening to finalise the seat-sharing formula.

From Tipra Motha, the meeting is expected to be attended by MLA Ranjit Debbarma, MoS Brishaketu Debbarma, Chief Executive Member of TTAADC Runiel Debbarma and former MDC Purna Chandra Debbarma. Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath and other BJP leaders are expected to represent the BJP.

“We will discuss the seat ratio. We will focus on areas where the BJP has influence but Tipra Motha does not, and vice versa. Based on the respective organisational strength and influence of both parties, seats will be shared,” Debbarma said.

Regarding the nomination papers already filed by Tipra Motha candidates, he said there was still time for withdrawal and indicated that adjustments could be made following the seat-sharing agreement.

“We do not want to hurt anyone or anyone’s sentiments. We are hopeful that our demands will also be fulfilled soon,” he added.