Opposed to CAA earlier, Tripura tribal parties that are now BJP allies in a spot

The Centre’s notification of rules of theCitizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, has left the two tribal organisations which are part of the BJP-led ruling coalition in Tripura, which shares over 80% of its border with Bangladesh, in a spot.

While protests have erupted in parts of the state, the two parties — the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) and Tipra Motha, which joined the BJP coalition only days ago — which were hitherto vehemently opposed to the law, have chosen silence on the issue.

On the other hand, the BJP has already started reaching out to people, telling them that the CAA is “a strong step against infiltrators and anti-India elements”, and exuding confidence that it would not have an impact on the party’s electoral chances in the state.

On Tuesday, members of the Twipra Students Federation (TSF) burnt copies of the CAA in Agartala, terming the Act “draconian, against the values of the country and against the interest of Muslims and Christians”.

“We oppose this Act and do not want its implementation in the state. We live in a democratic country. We appeal to the Centre to exempt Tripura from the law. If they don’t agree, we shall hold democratic movements,” TSF leader Manish Debbarma said.

BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee said as citizens of India, everyone must be proud of the CAA. “There is speculation surrounding the law but it will only strengthen the country’s internal security and is against those who want to divide the country. Safety and security of Indians is one of the biggest concerns and everyone needs to feel secure in the country,” he said.

Asked if the CAA would impact the party’s chances in Tripura, Bhattacharjee said, “Mere khayal se nahin hoga (I