Tripura: New equation emerging ahead of BJP president polls

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, January 20, 2025

Political circles in Tripura are abuzz with speculations over the potential successor of Rajib Bhattacharjee as the ruling party’s new state president. Bhattacharjee, who has been recently elected to Rajya Sabha is considered to be one of the most successful presidents of the party after former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and present Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha. According to party top sources, names of the current party General Secretaries Amit Rakshit and Bhagaban Das are considered to be the front runners for the politically crucial post. Apart from them, current party Vice President Subal Bhowmik and Papia Datta have also emerged as strong contenders for the position. However, party sources in the BJP disclosed that another name of another BJP leader is being considered for the post. It is learnt that the RSS is also closely monitoring the appointment process even though the ideological fountainhead of the Sangh Parivar never interferes in the party decisions directly, it certainly has a say which is always respected. The RSS reportedly is in favor of a state president who is trained in its ideological ecosystem and aware of the political significance of being in organizational position. The BJP central leadership may spring a surprise with their final choice. Based on the criterions set by the RSS , a new name has been added to this list of possible contenders and that is of Ratan Ghosh. Ghosh currently serves as the chairman of Gomati Cooperative Society. He began his political career with the BJP in 1994 and has held key positions, including serving as the state committee secretary three times. He is also the state in-charge of the Vistarak Yojana and the coordinator for the Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat program. Additionally, he has served as the Gomati district prabhari (in-charge). Sources further stated that an influential coterie of the BJP is vouching for Ratan Ghosh and the Central leadership is also expected to consider the proposal. Ghosh is also considered to be very close to Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha.