Tribal leader and Tripura minister Narendra Debbarma dies at 80
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Tripura: President of the BJP's ally Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) Narendra Chandra Debbarma died on Sunday at the age of 80 after battling a prolonged illness.
He suffered a severe brain stroke on December 30 and was admitted to the government-run Govind Ballabh Pant Medical College and Hospital. Doctors found blood clots in his brain and performed the surgery. He was moved to ICU and given ventilation support.
The senior minister is known for playing a crucial role in building the BJP-IPFT alliance government in March 2018 and defeating the CPI-M-led Left Front. Chief minister Dr. Manik Saha tweeted condolences and expressed sadness at the demise of the veteran leader. "Deeply saddened by the passing away of a senior member in the state cabinet Shri N.C. Debbarma today. My condolences to the bereaved family. May the departed soul rest in peace. Om Santi!"
Rajya Sabha MP and former chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb also took to Twitter to share the news. "I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Narendra Chandra Devavarma, member of the state cabinet and veteran politician, senior leader of our government partner IPFT. I pray to God for his departed soul. Peace."
The IPFT was formed in 1997 but faded away in 2001. Eight years later, the party was revived under the leadership of NC Debbarma both in Tripura and Delhi to press for Tipraland. Their protests attracted the attention of the BJP which led to the alliance working for the goal of eradicating the Left Front that has been in power for two decades.
