An opinion poll by a news channel has predicted the end of over two decades of CPI(M) rule in Tripura which is going to polls on February 18th. The opinion poll predicted victory for BJP- IPFT coalition. According to the opinion poll, BJP- Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura is likely to win 31-37 seats out of the total 60 assembly constituencies in the state. The ruling CPI(M) may get 23-29 seats; while the Congress and other parties may not win single seat in the state. The poorest CM of the country Manik Sarkar, who is at the helm for over twenty years, is likely to win in the Dhanpur constituency once again, as per the survey. He had assumed office on 11 March, 1998. Sarkar, who is also a CPI(M) Politburo member, seeking people's support to form the eighth Left Front government in the state.
