Agartala, Mar 3: For a generation in Tripura, it marks the end of an era. With the BJP eroding the 25-year-old bastion of CPI(M), the rule of one of the tallest Left leader in the nation, Manik Sarkar, comes to an end. Sarkar, widely regarded as the "Poor man's CM" -- for owning the least amount of assets as compared to other chief ministers -- will be replaced by "RSS man" Biplab Kumar Deb.

Sarkar's ouster, while being considered as an unfortunate poll outcome by Left-leaning voices in the nation, is being welcomed by the section of Tripura's electorate which placed its faith in the BJP in this round of legislative elections.

Although Tripura improved on various social indicators during the 20-year-tenure of Sarkar -- most recently it outmatched fellow communist state Kerala to be ranked as the most literate region in the nation -- the state has trailed way behind on economic parameters.

The new generation of voters had marked their dissent against the Sarkar-led regime for failing to create new jobs, apart from raising the standard of living of the state's population. The outgoing CM, however, blamed the successive central governments of not releasing sufficient grants to connect the frontier state with mainland India, which in turn hindered the growth of industries in Tripura.

Recalling his tenure, CPI spokesperson Atul Anjan said, "The nation will never find another Manik Sarkar. No one can question his honesty, integrity and simplicity. Unfortunately, he lost to money and muscle power."

Biplab Kumar Deb, the potential CM nominee to replace Sarkar

The 48-year-old RSS functionary played a key role in building the BJP's organisation in Tripura over the past two years -- after he was appointed as the state unit president by the party.

A senior BJP office-bearer, while speaking to reporters, described Deb as a core "RSS man", with a "no-nonsense attitude" and committed towards "organisational discipline.

Deb was working as a gym instructor in Delhi before he was called to Tripura by the Sangh in 2016. Deb's trainer in the RSS was Sunil Deodhar, the current BJP in-charge in Tripura, and his mentor was senior Sangh ideologue K N Govindacharya.

An internal survey conducted by the BJP workers found Deb to be way more popular among the state's youth as compared to Sarkar, the 69-year-old communist veteran.

Although this is the first ever election of Deb to the legislative assembly, he has seasoned himself with the functioning of the government as he worked as an assistant to Ganesh Singh, the BJP MP from Madhya Pradesh's Satna.

Deb's wife is working at the State Bank of India (SBI), posted as the deputy manager at SBI's Parliament House branch in Delhi. They also have two children.

Although Deb's candidate has not been confirmed, BJP sources cited by reports are firm on his appointment for the top job.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 03, 2018 03:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).