BJP governments in Lanka, Nepal: Tripura CM reveals Shah's 'plans'
What's the story
If Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb is to be believed, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is not only concerning himself with expanding Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) across the country but also has plans to form governments in neighboring nations, Sri Lanka and Nepal. The BJP CM made these controversial remarks at an event in Agartala and recounted what Shah had apparently told him.
Conversation
Have to expand BJP in other nations, Shah apparently commented
Deb recalled a conversation with Shah at the state guest house, wherein Ajay Jamwal, North-East Zonal Secretary of BJP, mentioned that BJP formed government in many states. "In reply, Amit Shah said that now Sri Lanka and Nepal are left. 'We have to expand the party in Sri Lanka, Nepal and win there to form a government'," the CM said quoting the former BJP President.
Quote
'Shah made BJP the largest party in the world'
"The communist had claimed that their party was the largest in the world, which Shah broke by making BJP the largest party in the world. Deendayal Upadhyaya's party, Shyama Prasad's party, Prishtha Pramukh's party (sic)," Deb went on.
What he said
He is certain BJP will win Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Singing tunes of the current leadership in the country, Deb also predicted the results of upcoming polls in a number of states. Since Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are campaigning in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress, led by CM Mamata Banerjee will lose, he claimed. He also said that the "flip-flop" style government will end in Kerala and lotus will bloom in Tamil Nadu.
Reaction
Shah engaged in state conspiracy against Nepal: CPI(M) leader
Unsurprisingly, Deb's remarks about international politics caught the Opposition's eye. CPI(M) leader and former parliamentarian Jitendra Chaudhury said the BJP member has no regard for the Constitution, democracy, and constructional jurisprudence. Alleging that Shah was engaged in a "state conspiracy against Nepal," Chaudhury demanded answers from BJP and PM Modi. The remarks can't be taken casually as a CM passed them, he argued.
Details
We cannot interfere in their internal affairs: Congress's Tapas Dey
Separately, Tapas Dey, Tripura Congress Vice-President, underlined that India stood against imperialism for many years. "It is unfortunate that the Chief Minister of Tripura is supportive of imperialism. Both Sri Lanka and Nepal are sovereign countries, and we cannot interfere or do anything about their internal affairs," he said. He also sought action against Deb for his "anti-national statement."