Agartala: Speculation partially came true after photos of Tipra Motha leader and Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma attending a meeting convened by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) went viral on social media. Another senior MLA of the party, Chittaranjan Debbarma, was also present at the meeting.
Over the past month, it has been widely reported that some senior Tipra Motha leaders were considering joining the BJP. Although their formal induction has not taken place, sections within the party have alleged that certain leaders were acting in ways that supported the BJP’s electoral interests.
Leaders from the dissenting camp, however, have defended their actions, citing political considerations.
In an interview with a local news platform, Animesh Debbarma spoke at length about internal tensions within the party, stating that dissidence has been growing within the rank and file. He raised concerns over ideological inconsistency, leadership issues, and organisational functioning.
He said contemporary politics cannot be sustained solely on ethnic sentiment and requires clarity, consistency, and a long-term vision. He added that reliance on emotional mobilisation without a defined policy direction could lead to instability and confusion among party workers and supporters.
Referring to the party’s shifting political messaging, he said its core slogan has changed multiple times in recent years, from “Greater Tipraland” in 2021 to a call for a “last fight” centred on a constitutional solution during the 2023 Assembly elections, and later to a “Tiprasa Accord” narrative during the 2024 parliamentary polls. Such changes, he said, send mixed signals and affect the party’s credibility.
Debbarma also raised concerns over decision-making within the party, alleging that certain electoral choices, including contesting under the BJP symbol, appeared to have been influenced by personal considerations rather than collective organisational interests. He said this raises questions about internal democracy and transparency.
Commenting on the leadership of Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, he pointed to contradictions between calls for unity among Tiprasa people and political alignments of individuals from the same family across different parties, including the Congress and the BJP.
On governance in the TTAADC, Debbarma said concerns regarding alleged corruption have been raised by several senior leaders, but no proper investigations have been initiated. He added that there is a perception that certain individuals are being protected, which could affect the party’s credibility.
He further alleged increasing centralisation of decision-making within the party and said dissenting voices are often overlooked, contributing to dissatisfaction among leaders.
On reports of defections, Debbarma said several members of the district council and executive body have already joined the BJP, while some MLAs and senior leaders are also considering similar moves. He warned that failure to address internal issues could lead to a split in the party after the ADC elections.
Responding to allegations by party leader Ranjit Debbarma that he attended meetings linked to BJP candidates in Ambassa and Khowai, Debbarma said he engages with people across sections and responds whenever called. He acknowledged that the reported venue, a government circuit house, has added to the sensitivity of the issue.
He said disciplinary action could be initiated against him by the party.
The developments have brought internal differences within Tipra Motha to the forefront at a crucial time, as the party prepares for the TTAADC polls. Observers say how the organisation handles these challenges could significantly influence its electoral prospects.