In a significant political statement ahead of the upcoming local elections in Tripura, Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Asish Kumar Saha on Sunday asserted that Tipra Motha is losing its influence among indigenous communities due to internal factionalism, inconsistent leadership, and policy confusion.
Speaking to reporters at the Congress Bhawan in Agartala, Saha said:
“Tipra Motha’s rise was due to emotional slogans around Greater Tipraland, but their failure to deliver on ground realities, along with increasing internal differences, is now visible. People are realising that Tipra Motha’s leadership is divided and lacks a clear roadmap.”
Tipra Motha’s internal rift
Saha alleged that differences between key Tipra Motha leaders, including working president Animesh Debbarma and party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, have deepened over the approach towards the Greater Tipraland demand. While Pradyot continues to advocate for constitutional negotiations with the Centre, several working committee members reportedly favour a more militant political posture to assert tribal rights.
According to Congress leaders, grassroots cadres are also frustrated over:
- Lack of clarity in leadership roles post-Assembly elections
- Failure to secure concrete assurances from the Centre despite repeated talks
- Growing dissent over the party’s decision to contest ADC elections alone rather than forging alliances with regional forces
Impact on Tipra Motha’s support base
Tipra Motha emerged as the single largest party in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections in 2021, riding on the Greater Tipraland sentiment. However, Congress leaders claim its appeal is waning.
| Election Year | Seats Contested | Seats Won | Vote Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 TTAADC | 28 | 18 | 42.6 |
| 2023 Assembly | 42 | 13 | 23.8 |
Saha noted that while Tipra Motha performed well in tribal belts, its urban and semi-urban base remains limited, and continued infighting could erode its tribal support as well.
Greater Tipraland demand: Cause of rift?
Party insiders reveal the growing rift centres around the feasibility of Greater Tipraland, which seeks:
- Expansion of TTAADC areas to include tribal-dominated villages outside its jurisdiction
- Constitutional guarantees for tribal land, jobs, and cultural protection
- Direct administrative linkage with the Centre
Some leaders feel the demand requires pragmatic re-framing to align with constitutional realities, while others insist on retaining it as the party’s core ideological plank.
Tripura Congress positioning itself as alternative
Asish Kumar Saha said the Congress is working to revive its support base among tribals by focusing on development issues neglected by both BJP and Tipra Motha. He outlined Congress’s focus areas:
- Forest rights implementation: Recognising all pending forest land claims under FRA, 2006
- Education and skill development: Enhancing tribal hostel facilities and scholarships
- Healthcare strengthening: Upgrading PHCs in ADC areas with specialist doctors
- Employment: Promoting bamboo, rubber, and agro-based industries in hill districts
He further added:
“We are not against constitutional rights for indigenous people, but the approach must be realistic, inclusive, and development-focused. Tipra Motha’s agitation politics has failed to create jobs or ensure healthcare and education for tribal youth.”
Tipra Motha’s response to Congress allegations
Reacting to Saha’s statement, Tipra Motha spokesperson Anthony Debbarma dismissed claims of internal rift, saying:
“This is Congress’s attempt to remain relevant. Our leadership is united under the vision of Bubagra (Pradyot Debbarma). We are fighting for Tiprasa existence, not for votes like Congress.”
He further alleged that Congress had historically failed to protect tribal rights during its rule in Tripura, leading to the emergence of Tipra Motha as a strong indigenous force.
Political analysts on Tipra Motha’s situation
Professor Ratan Debbarma of Tripura University commented:
“Tipra Motha still commands significant support in tribal belts. However, unless it clearly defines its strategy on Greater Tipraland and strengthens its organisational unity, it risks losing momentum, especially with BJP and Congress focusing on tribal issues.”
Political commentator Nani Debbarma added:
“Any internal differences, if not managed, could impact Tipra Motha’s performance in upcoming local body polls. Their ideological coherence and leadership clarity will decide their long-term relevance.”
Public reaction
Tribal youth organisations expressed mixed reactions to Congress’s remarks:
- “Tipra Motha must resolve leadership confusion fast.”
- “Congress has no right to criticise. They ignored Tiprasa for decades.”
- “Greater Tipraland is the only solution. Congress should support it instead of attacking Tipra Motha.”
Upcoming challenges for Tipra Motha
The party is currently preparing for:
- Tripura Autonomous District Council by-elections later this year
- Lok Sabha 2029 strategy planning, with speculation about possible alliances
- Strengthening grassroots units in Dhalai, Gomati, and North Tripura districts to counter BJP’s expansion
Final thoughts
As Tripura’s political landscape heats up, Tipra Motha’s ability to maintain internal unity and recalibrate its Greater Tipraland roadmap will determine its relevance in tribal politics. While Congress is seeking to regain lost ground by questioning Tipra Motha’s leadership crisis, the latter remains rooted in its identity-driven politics.
The coming months will reveal whether Tipra Motha can overcome internal rifts to remain the dominant indigenous voice in Tripura or cede ground to national parties consolidating their outreach to tribal communities.
Disclaimer: This news article is for informational purposes only. It includes political statements, public data, and expert analyses based on field reports. Final outcomes and leadership decisions remain subject to official confirmation by party spokespersons.
