Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has clarified that his government has not received any official communication from Tipra Motha regarding withdrawal of support, amid intensifying speculation over the party’s threat to sever ties with the BJP-led government over inaction on illegal immigration and delay in implementation of the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Speaking to reporters on Monday evening after a cabinet meeting, CM Saha said:
“We are working for the welfare of all communities in Tripura. As of now, there has been no formal communication from Tipra Motha about withdrawing support. We are committed to addressing the concerns of indigenous people through dialogue.”
The backdrop: Tipra Motha’s mounting anger
Tipra Motha, the dominant tribal political force led by Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, has been threatening to pull out of its issue-based support to the BJP government, citing:
- Centre’s inaction on fencing porous stretches of the Indo-Bangla border, leading to rising illegal immigration.
- The pending 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which seeks to strengthen financial and administrative powers of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) under the Sixth Schedule.
Party leaders, including MLAs and senior working committee members, have recently hinted at “a decisive announcement soon if the Centre remains silent”.
Why is the 125th Amendment critical for Tipra Motha?
The 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, introduced in 2019, seeks to amend Article 280 and the Sixth Schedule to:
- Enhance financial devolution to ADCs
- Empower executive committees with greater administrative autonomy
- Allow direct funding from the Centre, bypassing state governments
For Tipra Motha, passage of this bill remains a litmus test of BJP’s commitment to tribal rights and constitutional safeguards promised during the 2021 TTAADC polls.
Tripura CM’s assurances
CM Manik Saha reiterated that the state government is continuously engaging with tribal leaders. He emphasised:
- Ongoing border fencing: The state has been working with BSF and the Home Ministry to fence remaining stretches of the 856 km border with Bangladesh.
- On the 125th Amendment: Discussions are on at the central level, and the bill will be tabled at an appropriate time.
“These are matters involving constitutional amendments and inter-ministerial consultations. The government is committed to Tripura’s development and protecting indigenous rights,” he added.
Tipra Motha leaders maintain pressure
Despite CM Saha’s reassurance, Tipra Motha leaders have intensified grassroots mobilisation. Addressing a rally in Khumulwng, Pradyot Debbarma stated:
“Our patience should not be mistaken for weakness. If our demands remain ignored, we will take the necessary political steps. We are not here for chairs but to protect our people and land.”
BJP’s current strength in Tripura Assembly
| Tripura Assembly Composition (2025) |
|—|—|
| Total seats | 60 |
| BJP | 32 |
| IPFT | 2 |
| Tipra Motha | 13 |
| CPI(M) | 10 |
| Congress | 2 |
| Others | 1 |
While the BJP has a simple majority, Tipra Motha’s withdrawal will:
- Strip the government of its tribal legitimacy, as Tipra Motha dominates the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
- Strengthen Opposition narratives that BJP has failed tribal aspirations.
- Potentially lead to Tipra Motha forging strategic alliances with Congress and CPI(M) in future elections.
Opposition reactions
CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Choudhury said:
“Tipra Motha is realising BJP’s betrayal. Withdrawal of support is inevitable if they care about tribal dignity.”
Congress Tripura president Asish Kumar Saha added:
“This government survives only by ignoring indigenous issues. Tipra Motha’s exit will expose their anti-tribal policies.”
Experts analyse the scenario
Political analyst Dr Ratan Debbarma noted:
“Manik Saha’s statement indicates the BJP wants to project confidence and control. But if Tipra Motha formally withdraws support, it will dent the government’s credibility among tribals.”
Constitutional expert Indira Jaising added:
“The 125th Amendment delay and fencing issues are valid tribal concerns. Ignoring them risks pushing Tripura into deeper ethnic polarisation.”
Public sentiment in tribal areas
Grassroots reactions remain intense:
- “Tipra Motha must act now. Enough of assurances.”
- “No fencing means no safety for border villages.”
- “BJP is taking tribal votes for granted. Withdrawal is necessary to teach them a lesson.”
However, some elders cautioned against abrupt political decisions that could affect ongoing welfare schemes and ADC development projects.
What next for Tipra Motha?
Party insiders indicate three possible options under consideration:
- Formal withdrawal of support, launching statewide agitations for constitutional guarantees.
- Issuing an ultimatum with a public deadline for Centre’s action before final decision.
- Maintaining issue-based support while intensifying protests to build electoral momentum for 2029 Lok Sabha polls.
A final decision is expected after Tipra Motha’s central executive committee meeting in Khumulwng later this week.
Final thoughts
The Tripura CM’s clarification that no communication has been received from Tipra Motha on withdrawal of support underscores BJP’s wait-and-watch strategy. However, with tribal patience running thin and Tipra Motha under pressure from its core voters to act decisively, the coming days may redefine Tripura’s political equations.
For now, the ruling BJP seems keen to project stability, while Tipra Motha seeks constitutional and security assurances to protect its indigenous mandate. Whether dialogue prevails or confrontation escalates will shape the state’s socio-political trajectory in the months to come.
Disclaimer: This news article is for informational purposes only. It includes political statements, public data, and expert analyses based on field reports. Final government decisions, party announcements, and policy outcomes remain subject to official confirmation.
