CPI(M) MLA, former Cong MLA join BJP ahead of Tripura polls

Move is expected to give BJP a big boost ahead of the upcoming assembly elections on February 16

NEW DELHI | Updated: 27 January, 2023 10:58 pm IST

Subal Bhowmik on the right side and Moboshar Ali on the left side

Moboshar Ali, a CPI-M MLA, and Subal Bhowmik, a former Congress MLA, have joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Tripura assembly elections on February 16.

They joined the party in New Delhi on Friday, in the presence of Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha and BJP State President Rajib Bhattacharjee.

Ali, a senior leader of the minority community, was elected to the Tripura Assembly from the Kailasahar constituency in northern Tripura in 2018.

Recently, Congress announced an alliance with the Left Front, because of which the Kailashahar seat was allotted to the Congress, leaving Ali in a quandary.

“PM Narendra Modi’s works inspire me.His schemes have reached every house. And so I thought of joining the party,” Ali said. “I thank Tripura CM Dr Manik Saha for welcoming me,” he added.

Subal Bhowmik is a former Congress MLA from the Sonamura assembly constituency in the Sepahijala district. He was also the former president of the state Trinamool Congress.

Bhowmik praised PM Modi, saying that it was because of him that Tripura gained recognition and that so much progress has occurred in the last eight years.

“It was only due to the efforts of PM Modi that the North Eastern region, like Tripura, has been well recognised. Multiple projects have been introduced in the last five years by the BJP-led government in Tripura,” Bhowmik said.

“PM Modi took the northeastern region to an international forum. Tripura has an emotional connection with the Prime Minister. BJP will win with a thumping majority in the coming elections,” the former Congressman said.

Welcoming both leaders, CM Dr Saha said, “I welcome the two young leaders. It will strengthen the party’s organisation in the state. Their induction will also boost the re-election of the government in the 2023 assembly elections.”

Meanwhile, the BJP has finalised the candidates’ list for the Tripura elections. While the names of the list are expected to be announced on Saturday, it is learnt that both the new inductees are likely to be given tickets.