Tripura’s political arena witnessed a dramatic flare-up as Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha lashed out at former Chief Minister and CPI(M) stalwart Manik Sarkar over his recent comments alleging internal discord within the ruling alliance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Tipra Motha. Saha accused Sarkar of attempting to “defame the state government” and misleading the public with baseless remarks, in what appears to be a growing war of words between the incumbent and the opposition.
The CM’s strongly worded rebuttal came during a media interaction in Agartala, where he firmly dismissed any claims of cracks in the alliance. Instead, Saha painted a picture of cohesion and mutual understanding between the BJP and Tipra Motha, insisting that “the developmental agenda for all of Tripura, including indigenous communities, remains the priority.”
Background of the Allegation
In a recent public statement, Manik Sarkar alleged that the BJP’s alliance with Tipra Motha was riddled with “deep contradictions and mistrust.” He claimed that the ruling parties were “putting up a show of unity” while their internal frictions were hurting governance and neglecting public welfare, especially in tribal-dominated regions of Tripura’s ADC (Autonomous District Council) areas.
Sarkar, known for his pointed critiques and grassroots connect, suggested that the alliance had been forged only for electoral gains and lacked ideological or policy coherence. “The tribal people are still waiting for the promises made to them, and this alliance has failed to deliver,” he said at a Left party meeting in Dhalai district.
Manik Saha’s Counterattack
Chief Minister Manik Saha hit back by stating:
“Manik Sarkar has consistently tried to malign the state government. His accusations are nothing but an attempt to stay politically relevant. The BJP and Tipra Motha are working in close coordination to ensure inclusive growth. We don’t need a certificate from a party that brought Tripura to stagnation during their decades in power.”
Saha emphasized that while minor disagreements might arise in any democratic coalition, there was no threat to the alliance’s functionality. He asserted that both parties were united in their commitment to uplift tribal communities, enhance healthcare and infrastructure, and ensure youth employment in tribal belts.
Tripura’s Political Equations: A Quick Snapshot
| Party | Current Role | Leader | Seat Share (60 Assembly Seats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BJP | Ruling party | CM Manik Saha | 32 |
| Tipra Motha | Alliance partner | Pradyot Kishore Debbarma | 13 |
| CPI(M) | Opposition (Left Front) | Jitendra Chaudhury | 11 |
| Congress | Opposition | Sudip Roy Barman | 2 |
| Independents/Others | – | – | 2 |
Despite speculation over tension, the numerical strength of the BJP and Tipra Motha alliance allows for a comfortable majority, and both parties have reiterated their cooperation in running the government smoothly.
Flashpoints and Friction Points
While both the BJP and Tipra Motha have officially denied any rift, political analysts point to certain developments that hint at internal friction:
- Greater Tipraland Demand: Tipra Motha’s long-standing demand for a separate Greater Tipraland for tribal welfare has found no explicit backing from the BJP, causing unease among Tipra leaders.
- Cabinet Expansion Delay: The delay in inducting Tipra Motha MLAs into the cabinet has created whispers about unequal power-sharing.
- Policy Disagreements: Sources suggest disagreement over land reforms and administration of tribal schools and health centres in ADC areas.
Despite these issues, both parties have so far maintained public unity.
Government Development Push in Tribal Areas
To counter the opposition’s criticism, the BJP-led government has rolled out several development schemes in tribal areas, including:
- Tripura Tribal Welfare Scheme: Focused on skill development and educational aid.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Improvement of roads, drinking water supply, and electrification in remote villages.
- Healthcare Expansion: Telemedicine centres and primary healthcare upgrades in Dhalai, North Tripura, and Gomati districts.
- Youth Empowerment Programs: Launch of vocational training centres and support for tribal entrepreneurs.
These initiatives were highlighted in CM Saha’s address as evidence that the alliance was working efficiently and delivering results.
Key Statements and Political Reactions
CM Manik Saha:
“Those who were in power for decades and did little for the tribals are now talking about tribal rights. The hypocrisy is clear.”
Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, Tipra Motha chief, refrained from a direct response but said:
“We are in this alliance for the people. Our commitment is to our people, not political posturing.”
Jitendra Chaudhury, CPI(M) leader, countered:
“Development in tribal areas is slow and superficial. The BJP and Tipra Motha alliance is opportunistic, not genuine.”
BJP–Tipra Motha Alliance: Performance Indicators
| Parameter | Before Alliance (2022) | After Alliance (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Road Projects Completed | 120 km | 265 km |
| New Health Centres Opened | 15 | 39 |
| Employment Schemes Launched | 4 | 11 |
| Education Scholarships | ₹30 crore | ₹82 crore |
| Skill Centres Operational | 6 | 19 |
The above performance metrics suggest marked improvement post-alliance, which the government is keen to publicize in countering opposition narratives.
What Lies Ahead?
With the Lok Sabha elections now in the rearview mirror, the BJP-Tipra Motha alliance is being tested on its delivery and coherence. While ideological differences remain, particularly on the Greater Tipraland issue, the BJP leadership is likely to focus on navigating these carefully to ensure long-term stability.
Observers believe that the relationship between CM Saha and Tipra leader Debbarma will be key in determining the trajectory of the alliance. Both leaders enjoy significant support within their respective communities, and cooperation, rather than confrontation, could help retain Tripura’s developmental momentum.
As for Manik Sarkar, his critiques, though sharp and ideologically anchored, face the challenge of political weight in a state where the CPI(M)’s electoral influence has diminished over the past two cycles. Nonetheless, his voice continues to resonate among sections of the rural and working-class electorate.
Conclusion
Chief Minister Manik Saha’s pushback against former CM Manik Sarkar’s comments signals a strong intent to defend the ruling coalition’s image amid persistent opposition scrutiny. While ideological differences between BJP and Tipra Motha persist, the alliance shows signs of pragmatism in maintaining governance continuity. The coming months will test whether this alliance is purely electoral or genuinely developmental in spirit.
Disclaimer: This article is based on current political developments, public statements, and available government data. Interpretations reflect ongoing events and may change as the situation evolves.
