BJP national leader concludes two-day visit to Tripura; cabinet expansion likely

After the visit of BJP National General Secretary BL Santosh to the state of Tripura amidst intra-party turmoil, speculations are rife that some big developments are in the cards, including an expansion of the state cabinet.

Agartala: Putting an end to the high voltage political drama that Tripura witnessed in the last 48 hours, BJP National General Secretary BL Santosh left for New Delhi on Thursday after completing his two-day visit to the state. The visit is widely perceived to be an attempt to quell the rumble of dissidence within Tripura BJP.

The state BJP has started maintaining a conspicuous silence on the issues discussed in the meetings but the party heavyweight's visit gave enough fodder for suspicions. If the party insiders are to be believed, some big developments are in the cards, including expansion of the state cabinet where four portfolios are still vacant.

"Santosh ji arrived to review the situation. The party leadership will discuss the matter further and chalk out some patch-up formula between the dissident group. MLA Sudip Roy Barman, who was axed from the post of health minister in the Biplab Deb cabinet shortly after the Lok Sabha elections, may make a comeback in the state cabinet. But, the pictures are still blurred”, a highly placed source in the BJP said.

Another leader, who has attended the meetings, said, “It is quite unfortunate that within three years after coming to power, the BJP is widely divided into two parts. The patch-up formula must be effective and well thought out as the state BJP is not ready to face any fresh jolt”.

Sources said the BJP MLAs have expressed their views regarding the issues that are affecting the party's activities. Detailed reports against the dissident camp and resentment against the present dispensation have been placed before Santosh. However, all the BJP MLAs and leaders are expecting positive moves from the Centre that will not only bridge the gaps but also douse the flame of dissidence.

“Symbolic changes can’t change much. The elections are slated for 2023. And, no party wants to fight an election with a ship full of holes. It is necessary to devise some strategy to bring both Sudip and Biplab camps together”, a political analyst who did not to be named said.

However, on Thursday, Santosh visited the residence of late BJP state president Nilmani Deb and Tripura's Sundari temple. He met the alliance partner IPFT and chaired a crucial meeting with the BJP core committee and media department before leaving for New Delhi. Although things appear to be blur till now, chances of a big power shift are imminent in the state BJP, hoped a dissenting MLA.

Speaking on the sidelines of the second-day meetings, Dr Manik Saha, the state BJP president said that all the problems had been sorted out. "See, the party is like a big family and disagreement may develop sometimes. But I must say that everything has been sorted out in the meeting", he said.