Tripura, Dec 8: Days after a group of ruling BJP supporters raised slogans of ‘Biplab Hatao, BJP Bachao’ in front of the party observer Vinod Sonkar, CM Biplab Deb asked people of the state to gather at Astabal Grounds on Sunday and give their mandate on whether he should stay at the post.
“If people want me to go, I shall tell my party high-command likewise and leave,” he told reporters.
Deb’s comments came in the midst of high drama over the last two days, with some party workers seeking his removal during Sonkar’s visit. The BJP observer later claimed that everything is fine in the state’s ruling party.
In October this year, a group of dissident BJP MLAs led by former health minister Sudip Roy Barman, visited Delhi to talk with party president JP Nadda, reportedly to seek Deb’s removal. However, the legislators later said they went to discuss organizational issues.
Deb said he doesn’t harbour any wish to stay in power and would wait for peoples’ mandate on December 13 at Astabal Grounds.
“I want to hear from the people if they want me to be removed. I shall go to Astabal Maidan next Sunday, December 13 at 2 pm. I invite everyone to come and tell me whether I should go or stay. I shall ask 37 lakh people of Tripura to tell me what to do. I shall abide by whatever mandate you give for me and place my wish likewise before my party high command that people of Tripura wanted so,” CM said.
Chief Minister said he has got more than he asked for and the people of Tripura “blessed” had him with the chance to serve as a legislator and Chief Minister, something he never dreamt of.
“I want to work for everyone, irrespective of religion, caste, colour, or any other identity. My only passion is to turn Tripura into the best state in the country. So, I want to know if everyone feels the same way. If yes, I shall do likewise and leave,” he said.
CM claimed since he assumed charge of the state on March 9, 2018, Tripura has gone ahead with the fastest pace among all states of NE India.
“People reposed their faith in Narendra Modi, BJP and me. Accordingly, we have been working on a host of developmental activities including HIRA, HIRA Plus, educational development, infrastructural development with Rs. 11,000 crore project under NHIDCL, SEZ at Sabroom, ICP, Logistics Hub, High-rise buildings, smart city, a new airport, agricultural growth etc. I want to work more,” Deb said.
However, Deb warned that if he stayed in power, he would crack down on criminal and illegal activities. “If someone wants to do mafia-style hooliganism, illegal land brokerage, engage in illegal works, I shall never compromise with them. Never,” he warned.
He also asked the people to ‘decide’ what should be done with those who raised slogans against CM Biplab Kumar Deb. “If you want me to stay, you decide what should be done with people who raised those slogans. I shall uphold whatever you decide.”
The BJP and its tribal alliance partner Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) together won 44 out of 60 seats in the state the legislative assembly, decimating the erstwhile Left Front regime of 25 years.
