Tipra Motha vs BJP: Tribal Rift Deepens in Tripura

Despite Tipraland founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman’s repeated appeals for unity among Tripura’s tribal communities, the state is increasingly witnessing a dangerous trend of tribal versus tribal conflict. The escalating rivalry between Tipra Motha and the BJP’s tribal wing, Janajati Morcha, has turned violent in several locations, with reports of clashes on an almost weekly basis.

Since Tipra Motha officially allied with the BJP and entered the government in early 2023, more than 36 internal clashes between BJP and Tipra Motha supporters have been reported across various tribal-dominated areas, especially in Asharambari, Jampuijala, Takarjala, and parts of Kanchanpur and Karbook. In most of these incidents, it was the BJP karyakartas who were attacked, beaten, and left bleeding, often while attempting to expand party activities in their own constituencies.

The latest of these attacks occurred in Asharambari, where BJP workers were allegedly assaulted by Tipra Motha supporters during an PM Maan Ki Baat outreach programme.
Following this, once very close associate of former CM Biplab Dev , new Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha of congress background has not handle this very typical, important and sensitive issues of tribals in proper manners .

Tribals of Tripura are feelings helpless despite many efforts of current CM .

Tripura’s Political Tightrope: BJP and Tipra Motha Locked in a Tactical Tug-of-War

In Tripura’s evolving political landscape, a visible and intensifying tussle has emerged between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its uneasy ally, Tipra Motha. Although technically aligned, the two parties remain locked in a tactical tug-of-war, neither fully trusting the other, yet unwilling to dissolve the alliance.

Tipra Motha, led by Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, continues to pressure the BJP-led government by portraying itself as the authentic voice of tribal self-determination, demanding constitutional guarantees without formally exiting the coalition. This allows the party to play dual roles, as both a participant in governance and a combative opposition force, maintaining its identity among tribal voters.

The BJP, meanwhile, especially in the hill and Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) areas, finds itself politically vulnerable. The TTAADC elections in 2026 are crucial, and with Tipra Motha claimed to be commanding influence in over 20 tribal-majority Assembly constituencies, the BJP cannot afford a total fallout. The current state of the relationship, however, has resulted in a violent political environment rather than a cooperative one.

BJP’s Internal Power Struggles and Tribal Wing Standoff

What worsens the situation is the internal schism within the BJP. The faction loyal to former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb reportedly remains non-committal about strengthening BJP’s tribal presence, partly due to Deb’s personal friendship with Pradyot Debbarman. This has allegedly led to deliberate obstruction of the Janajati Morcha’s initiatives.

Conversely, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha is determined to expand Janajati Morcha’s influence in the tribal belt before the 2026 ADC polls. This intra-party contradiction has stalled BJP’s grassroots efforts and emboldened Tipra Motha’s local units to act with increasing aggression, often confronting BJP workers physically during field activities.

36+ Violent Clashes: A Tally of Growing Tensions

According to local sources and party documents, at least 36 major incidents of BJP-Tipra Motha clashes have occurred over the last two years. The majority of victims in these incidents were BJP tribal workers, who were either organizing rallies, opening party booths, or conducting welfare outreach programmes.

Some notable instances include:

Jampuijala (Feb 2024): BJP tribal karyakartas were injured while hoisting the party flag.

Takarjala (Sept 2024): Clashes during a tribal youth mobilization event led to hospitalizations.

Asharambari (July 2025): BJP workers were assaulted during a door-to-door campaign.

Kanchanpur (May 2025): Physical attacks on BJP workers trying to conduct meetings in Bru resettlement zones.

After the Asharambari incident, the Chief Minister’s statement signaled a policy shift. BJP’s tribal wing workers in areas like Karbook, Ampinagar, and Gandacherra have begun to organize defensive units and are now openly countering Tipra Motha’s aggression, leading to a possible cycle of retaliation.

Challenges Within and Outside the Alliance

While the alliance limps forward, BJP is also grappling with serious internal issues, from leadership disputes to allegations of drug nexus, and an organizational vacuum after Shri Rajib Bhattacharjee’s elevation to the Rajya Sabha. Dissatisfaction among BJP tribal karyakartas is rising.

Tripura’s political space today resembles a chessboard transforming into a battlefield. The alliance between the BJP and Tipra Motha is strategic on paper but violent in practice. While temporary political gains may result from alliances, sustainable governance requires discipline, moral clarity, and transparent leadership.

Whether the BJP can rise above factionalism, tribal resistance, and public mistrust to reclaim its lost ground ahead of the 2026 ADC polls remains the central question shaping the state’s political future.

Mr. Jayanta Debnath is a responsible journalist from Tripura with 34 years of experience in investigative journalism and is presently the editor of Tripura’s first and highest-viewed news portal, tripurainfo.com. He has authored more than 30 books on Tripura, covering its history, geography, quiz, general knowledge, current affairs, and various other subjects related to the state, aimed at students and unemployed job aspirants preparing for competitive exams. His work reflects a lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting the rich heritage and factual narrative of Tripura.