Agartala, December 9:
Tensions within Tripura’s ruling NDA alliance escalated sharply on Tuesday after BJP Janajati Morcha leader and state general secretary Bipin Debbarma declared that the Tipra Motha Party’s “expiry date” in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) is effectively set for January 2026. Speaking at a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Agartala, he asserted that the BJP is poised to take over the council once the current term ends.
Debbarma claimed that Tipra Motha, the BJP’s junior partner in the Assembly but not in the TTAADC, is “resorting to violence” out of fear of losing power. Referring to alleged vandalism during a BJP joining programme in Sepahijala district on Monday, he warned Motha supporters against indulging in such acts. “BJP, the world’s largest party, will not tolerate this behaviour. We know how to repay bricks with stones,” he said.
He further argued that Tipra Motha is losing its influence in tribal belts, asserting that even a national party like the Congress “could not stand against the BJP,” and describing Motha as a “small party with diminishing support.” Debbarma cautioned that the law will act strictly against those involved in recent disturbances and assured that “none will be spared.”
Highlighting the BJP’s focus on development and communal harmony, he claimed that tribal communities increasingly view the saffron party as the most reliable force. According to him, supporters from various parties — including Tipra Motha — are steadily shifting towards the BJP ahead of a “new political phase” in the TTAADC.
Debbarma clarified that while the BJP and Tipra Motha share an understanding in the state Assembly, no such alliance exists in the district council. The decision on whether the BJP will contest the upcoming TTAADC polls alone or with partners will be taken by the party’s central leadership. “But the people already know the outcome,” he said. “The BJP will form the next TTAADC government, and Tipra Motha’s tenure ends in January 2026.”
