Agartala, March 14: Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, the chief of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), has accused rival factions of plotting to split his tribal-based party in Tripura. Currently, TMP is an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.
Speaking at a public meeting held at the headquarters of the Tripura Tribal Area Autonomous District Council in Khumulwng, Debbarma stated that Chief Minister Manik Saha announced during a rally in Dhalai district that the BJP would field candidates for all 28 seats in the upcoming elections.
Debbarma remarked, “By declaring that the BJP will contest all 28 seats, the alliance between our parties has effectively collapsed. We are not breaking the alliance; the Chief Minister has done that.”
He emphasized that if the BJP proceeds to contest all seats, the “Tiprasa” (tribal) community will ensure the BJP’s defeat in the elections.
The TMP leader reiterated his party’s commitment to maintaining unity among all tribal communities. He noted that both Christian and Hindu individuals are part of the tribal population, but the TMP does not engage in politics based on religion. “Tribal people are extremely poor, and our party fights for their economic, constitutional, and land rights,” he added.
Debbarma’s comments come amid reports suggesting that some TMP legislators, including a minister, may join the BJP ahead of the TTAADC elections. However, Chief Minister Manik Saha dismissed these rumors on Thursday, stating that reports of Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma and other legislators joining the BJP are mere speculation.
The current 30-member Tripura Tribal Area Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) consists of 28 elected and two members appointed by the state government. In the 2021 elections, TMP secured control of the council by winning 18 seats, while the BJP contested 11 seats and won nine.
This council covers nearly two-thirds of Tripura and is home to approximately 1.216 million people, with around 84 percent belonging to tribal communities.
With the TTAADC elections approaching in April, the BJP, along with its ally Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), the Tipra Motha Party, and opposition parties like the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Indian National Congress, are intensifying efforts to secure support from tribal voters.
Given that nearly one-third of Tripura’s total population of about 4.2 million is from the tribal community, the upcoming council elections are considered crucial for the state’s political landscape.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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