ABSTRACT
This chapter sought to pioneer the methodological grounds of studying the operational dynamics of federalism at the State level– the level which has become the centre of Indian politics since the days of neo-liberal reforms in India since 1991. In the rest of the region, the heavy weight of ethnic identity politics has monopolized all political space; in Tripura, the heavy weight of Left politics has done, containing ethnic identity politics within the discourse of Left politics and governance. Tripura's records on per capita (PPP) income have improved remarkably. The Left in Tripura has been integrating itself with the liberal democratic political institutions since the early 1950s; it remained as an Opposition until 1978, and challenger to governance. The educated tribal youths today are aware of their identity but more as modern employment seekers in the larger market beyond Tripura. Tripura's governance success, when placed in the regional context, demands an additional mark.
