In what could potentially destabilise Tripura’s current political alignment, Tipra Motha is reportedly considering withdrawing its support to the ruling BJP government, citing the Centre’s continued inaction on two of its core demands – tackling illegal immigration and the implementation of the long-pending 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill for strengthening tribal autonomous councils.
Mounting frustration within Tipra Motha
Party insiders revealed that discussions have intensified in the past week among senior Tipra Motha leaders, with grassroots units pressuring the central leadership to adopt a tougher stance against the BJP-led government both in the state and at the Centre.
A senior working committee member, requesting anonymity, stated:
“Our people are feeling betrayed. Illegal infiltration continues unabated, threatening our identity. The 125th Amendment remains pending despite assurances. If the government is not ready to protect the Tiprasa, why should we support them?”
What is the 125th Constitutional Amendment?
The 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, introduced in 2019, seeks to amend Article 280 and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to:
- Increase financial powers and devolution to Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)
- Strengthen the executive committees within ADCs, giving them enhanced administrative and legislative powers
- Enable direct funding from the Centre to ADCs, bypassing state governments
Tipra Motha, which swept the 2021 TTAADC elections on the promise of a stronger constitutional framework for indigenous self-governance, has repeatedly demanded its passage in Parliament.
Growing concerns over illegal immigration
Apart from constitutional demands, Tipra Motha has raised alarm over increasing infiltration from Bangladesh, particularly in Sepahijala, West Tripura, and North Tripura districts. Recent BSF data showed:
| Year | Illegal immigrants apprehended in Tripura |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 165 |
| 2022 | 198 |
| 2023 | 242 |
| 2024 | 310 |
| 2025 (Jan-Jun) | 368 |
Party leaders argue the Centre’s failure to fence remaining porous stretches and dismantle human trafficking networks has:
- Reduced the indigenous demographic share
- Created economic insecurity in border villages
- Fuelled fears of cultural erosion
Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, Tipra Motha founder, recently stated at a public rally:
“Our land, jobs, and culture are under threat. If Delhi does not act, we will be forced to reconsider our political relationships.”
BJP’s position on Tipra Motha’s demands
The BJP leadership has so far maintained that the 125th Amendment is under review by the Parliamentary Standing Committee and will be tabled “at an appropriate time”. On illegal immigration, BJP leaders claim fencing work is ongoing, with drone and radar surveillance projects launched along riverine borders.
Chief Minister Manik Saha told reporters last week:
“The government is committed to protecting Tripura’s demographic balance. Fencing of remaining stretches is a priority. On ADC reforms, discussions are underway with the Centre.”
Potential impact of Tipra Motha withdrawing support
Currently, the BJP enjoys a comfortable majority in the 60-member Tripura Assembly, but Tipra Motha remains a crucial indigenous voice with control over the TTAADC, which governs two-thirds of the state’s area and tribal population.
| Tripura Assembly Composition (2025) |
|—|—|
| Total seats | 60 |
| BJP | 32 |
| IPFT | 2 |
| Tipra Motha | 13 |
| CPI(M) | 10 |
| Congress | 2 |
| Others | 1 |
If Tipra Motha withdraws support, it will:
- Deepen tribal alienation from the BJP
- Strengthen Opposition narratives of BJP ignoring indigenous rights
- Potentially lead to Tipra Motha forging electoral or issue-based alliances with CPI(M) and Congress ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections
Political reactions
CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Choudhury said:
“Tipra Motha’s demands are justified. BJP has betrayed the indigenous people by shelving the 125th Amendment.”
Congress Tripura president Asish Kumar Saha added:
“Illegal infiltration is a national security issue. We welcome Tipra Motha to join a broader alliance to protect Tripura’s identity.”
Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee dismissed Tipra Motha’s threats as “political blackmail”:
“The BJP is committed to indigenous welfare. Tipra Motha should act responsibly instead of making empty threats.”
Expert analysis
Professor Ratan Debbarma of Tripura University observed:
“If Tipra Motha withdraws support, it may not topple the government but will seriously damage BJP’s image among tribals. The party will then become a rallying pole for indigenous assertion.”
Political analyst Nani Debbarma added:
“Pradyot’s strategy seems aimed at building pressure before ADC by-elections and future Lok Sabha polls. Withdrawal of support could be a bargaining tool to expedite Delhi’s decisions.”
Public reactions
Reactions among indigenous youth were strong:
- “Enough of waiting. If Delhi does not care, Tipra Motha should pull out.”
- “Only threats will not work. Our leaders must act decisively now.”
- “No political party should take Tiprasa for granted.”
However, some elders advised caution, warning that withdrawing support without a clear alternative roadmap may only create administrative instability without guaranteeing constitutional gains.
What next for Tipra Motha?
Party insiders indicate the Tipra Motha executive committee will soon:
- Convene an emergency meeting in Khumulwng to finalise the withdrawal strategy.
- Mobilise grassroots units to build mass agitation pressure.
- Send a final delegation to Delhi seeking a timeline on the 125th Amendment passage and fencing completion.
Final thoughts
Tipra Motha’s looming decision to withdraw support from the BJP government signals a major shift in Tripura’s tribal politics. The party has so far maintained an issue-based support stance, but rising internal pressures over unfulfilled promises on illegal immigration control and constitutional guarantees are forcing it towards political confrontation.
As the Centre remains silent on a concrete timeline for the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, Tipra Motha’s next steps will determine whether Tripura’s indigenous movement remains within constitutional negotiation frameworks or enters a more radical political phase, reshaping the state’s governance and electoral equations in the coming years.
Disclaimer: This news article is for informational purposes only. It includes political statements, public data, and expert analyses based on field reports. Final decisions and policy announcements remain subject to official confirmation by government and party spokespersons.
