In an interview with News18, Sarkar said that the main objective is to defeat the BJP for which the Congress and the CPI(M) have entered into an “accomplishment” and not an alliance. He also targeted the Trinamool Congress (TMC), saying they have come to the state to help the BJP. The veteran leader, however, indicated that doors were open for Tipra Motha, the party in power in Tripura’s tribal region Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
Edited excerpts:
Why are you sitting outside the election battle?
I have been contesting elections since 1979. I was first the chief whip of my party, then became the chief minister for 20 years and the leader of the opposition for five years. I thought we needed to make room for new people from the younger generation.
Since our state secretary is in the field, he will not be able to supervise the work at the headquarters. Keeping in view the complex situation during the elections in Tripura, I thought it important to take more responsibility to help them.
Your party’s secretary told us that the CPI(M) kept trying till the last moment to make you contest the elections. Looks like sitting outside is your decision and not the party’s. What happened?
That’s right. After several rounds of discussion, the Politburo was convinced. I don’t think I am breaking party discipline. We took the decision in a cordial atmosphere.
You have joined hands with your arch-rival Congress.
You see, in Tripura, the BJP-led government is guided by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The people of Tripura know this and we have tried to draw the attention of others to this. So our main aim is to defeat BJP for the betterment of our state.
Democracy is under severe attack in Tripura, fundamental rights of citizens are being violated and people cannot vote. One party has established its dictatorial rule and it looks like the constitution of India India does not apply here.
The minorities here are under immense pressure and crimes against women are increasing to such an extent that the police records do not reflect the real situation. Economically the state has gone from bad to worse. There is no work, no income and the ground reality is so frightening that deaths are happening due to starvation and people are forced to sell their children.
Today’s situation reminds of the reality of the state long ago. Many things changed during the Left Front government. Apart from the economic aspect, corruption, vacant government posts and false promises to teachers have pushed the state backward. Keeping all these things in mind, it is necessary to remove the BJP government.
We approached secular-minded parties for this and the Congress responded positively to our proposal.
You have given 13 seats to Congress but now it is contesting on 17 seats. Confusion about seat sharing?
The CPI(M) leaders have conveyed their disapproval to the party in talks with the Congress. If this is allowed to continue, it could be a problem. February 2 is the last date for withdrawal of nominations. I think it will be resolved. Our outlook is positive and Congress leaders have also started discussions.
Will he walk away from the five additional seats?
I hope it will be resolved.
Your critics say that you did not like the idea of joining hands with the Congress. how much is right
this is not right. Some people are trying to create confusion. They will not be successful.
Bengal alliance did not work in 2016 but you are still going ahead with seat sharing.
You see, not only us, but the Congress too must have learned a lesson from the West Bengal experiment. They are conscious and will do their best to correct their mistakes. The BJP is attacking not only the CPI(M), but everyone including the Congress. He will embrace everyone. The aim is to defeat BJP and restore democracy. There is no political alliance in the state but seat sharing.
You have contacted Tipra Motha but nothing has worked so far.
Too early to comment. They have filed nomination papers and I think they are planning to field candidates on 30 seats. Things will become clear by February 2 as it is the last day for withdrawal of nominations.
How do you rate Tipra Motha?
No comment. We have contacted Tipra Motha. let’s watch.
BJP is bringing star campaigners. What do you want?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi The Tripura campaign was launched eight months ago. Home Minister Amit Shah always comes to the state. This is their strategy and we have nothing to say about their plan.
IPFT did not tie up with Tipra Motha but went with BJP. your take?
There is no point in commenting on this at the moment. IPFT was always with BJP. In the media itself, there was talk of IPFT going with Tipra Motha. IPFT is contesting elections on five seats along with BJP, this is their family.
What is your view on Trinamool Congress? won’t you call them?
They are destroying democracy in Bengal, their ministers are behind bars, they are corrupt and in this condition they are coming here. The people of Tripura are not fools. People of Tripura are saying that TMC has come here to help BJP. TMC is trying to divide the anti-BJP votes.
Do you really think that the Left Front can form the government? Who is your CM candidate?
Looking at the situation in Tripura, people want to get rid of the fascist government. If Election Commission ensures free and fair elections, BJP will lose. The elected MLAs will decide the Chief Minister.
Will you support Tipra Motha after the elections?
Let’s wait. We hope that the BJP government will go. Those who are fighting will win. All the decisions will be finalized after the results. Even though I am not contesting the elections directly, but I am fighting by coming forward with my colleagues. ,
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