Tipra Motha’ claims recognition as opposition party, Animesh as leader of the opposition

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 19, 2023

The regional ‘Tipra Motha’ party on the strength of 13 MLAs in the sixty member assembly-more than 10% required-has demanded recognition as opposition party. A letter has already been sent to the protem speaker Benoy Bhusan Das claiming the party’s recognition as well as conferment of the designation of leader of the opposition on MLA Animesh Debbarma, on Brishaketu Debbarma as deputy leader of the opposition and on Chitta Debbarma as chief whip of the party in the assembly. The final decision rests on the protem speaker or speaker but ‘Tipra Motha’s claim is inviolable in view of existing rules as the CPI (M) and Congress are separate entities in the assembly even though they fought the assembly polls in seat adjustment with each other. The CPI (M) has 11 MLAs while the Congress has only 3 MLAs.

Sources said that Animesh Debbarma has been nominated as leader of the opposition by ‘Tipra Motha’ because of his past five year experience as MLA (2003-2008) and two years as deputy chief executive member in the ADC since 2021 April . Chitta Debbarma is educated and retired government officer who worked as executive member of ADC over the past two years while young Brishaketu is a lawyer . The decision of the protem speaker or speaker is likely to be communicated soon on the issue.