Biplab Kumar Deb: From gym trainer and RSS volunteer to Tripura CM

New Delhi: An unconventional man for an incredible win? BJP's decision on Tuesday to name Biplab Kumar Deb as the next Chief Minister of Tripura is a clear sign that the grit and perseverance of the 48-year-old former gym trainer has been rewarded by the party's Parliamentary Board.

That Deb has been named CM candidate ought not to surprise many in Tripura considering he is the party's state chief and that he has been an active RSS volunteer. His biggest achievement though was carrying out a door-to-door campaign to project BJP as a viable alternative to CPM  - a party that has dominated Tripura for 25 years. Then came 2018 and BJP - previously confied to the far reaches of the political sidelines in the state - cruised to a  stunning win.

The field of candidates for the top job in the state though was lined by several political stalwarts and names of Pratima Bhoumik - she defeated Manik Sarkar in Dhanpur - and former Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman was doing the rounds. Deb though emerged on top and analysts believe the fact that he was instrumental in increasing BJP's presence among tribals - a crucial 32 per cent of Triupra's total population - has been regarded as instrumental.

A graduate from Tripura University, Deb left his home state for Delhi to pursue higher education. It is reported that at the time, he worked as a professional gym trainer as well. Bigger and better things though beckoned him and Deb returned to Tripura after a gap of almost 15 years. His work at the grassroot level for BJP in the state was commended by many within the party and Deb was elevated to the position of BJP's state chief in 2016. And from hereon, there was no looking back.