Agartala, Mar 7 (UNI): A day after the announcement to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), two MLAs from erstwhile principal opposition TIPRA Motha in Tripura were sworn in as Cabinet members of Dr Manik Saha-led BJP-IPFT government on Thursday.
Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu, in a simple ceremony, administered the oath of office and secrecy to the former leader of the opposition, Animesh Debbarma, as Cabinet minister, while TIPRA legislator Brishaketu Debbarma was appointed Minister of State (MoS) in the presence of Saha, his Cabinet colleagues, and senior leaders of both parties.
The Chief Minister said shortly the ministers will be distributed portfolios after his return from West Bengal to join the BJP’s political programme in Malda. The CM is scheduled to return to the state on Saturday.
In the absence of the CM, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy and Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, along with others, escorted newly inducted ministers to their chamber in the Secretariat.
“We have been saying the BJP always believes in inclusive development and in maintaining peace and stability, and the induction of two members in the council of ministers reflects the commitment of our beloved Prime Minister. BJP-IPFT-TIPRA Motha will work together for the holistic development of Tripura without any other consideration,” Dr Saha said after the swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan.
However, he avoided the query of filling up one more cabinet berth and the portfolios to be distributed among the newly inducted ministers.
CM said, “Whatever decision we take, it is intended to deliver the best to the people of Tripura and accelerate the pace of development beyond any politics or sectarian interest.”
Meanwhile, TIPRA Motha founder and the main architect of the deal with the BJP, Tripura royal scion Pradyot Manikya Debbarman, said, “We joined the government to pursue our demand inside the cabinet, and I shall continue the fight from the outside. Now, we want a candidate in Lok Sabha who can pursue our demands in Delhi. We become a part of the government doesn’t mean TIPRA Motha will compromise rather than consolidate the fight.”
