In a politically charged declaration ahead of the 17th Statehood Demand Day, the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT)—a ruling ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—has reaffirmed its long-standing demand for a separate Tipraland state. The party accused the Left Front of systematically weakening the tribal statehood movement and vowed to intensify its campaign both within Tripura and at the national level.
The IPFT, which has observed August 23 as Statehood Demand Day since 2009, held a rally near the North Gate of Palace Compound in Agartala, drawing supporters from across the state. Leaders from the National Federation of New States (NFNS), including Vidarbha statehood advocate S.G. Sanyal, joined the event to express solidarity with the Tipraland cause.
🧭 IPFT’s Renewed Push for Tipraland
| Demand Element | Description | Status Update |
|---|---|---|
| Tipraland Statehood | Separate state comprising TTAADC areas | Reaffirmed at August 23 rally |
| Tribal Welfare | Infrastructure, reservation, and cultural autonomy | Raised with Centre and EC |
| Illegal Immigration | Identification and deportation in tribal areas | Ongoing concern |
| CAA Implementation | Exclusion of ADC areas from CAA | Welcomed but deemed insufficient |
IPFT leaders emphasized that the exclusion of Sixth Schedule areas from the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was a “moral victory,” but warned that tribal interests could not be safeguarded without full statehood.
📊 Tripura’s Tribal Landscape and TTAADC Profile
| Parameter | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Total State Area | 10,491 sq km |
| TTAADC Coverage | ~70% of geographical territory |
| Tribal Population Share | ~30% |
| Recognized Tribal Groups | 19 |
| TTAADC Formation Year | 1972 |
| Elected Body Effective | August 23, 1984 |
The IPFT’s demand for Tipraland is rooted in the desire to upgrade the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) into a full-fledged state under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution.
🔍 Political Dynamics: IPFT vs TIPRA Motha vs Left
The IPFT’s resurgence comes amid growing competition from the TIPRA Motha, a tribal party led by Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma. While IPFT advocates for Tipraland within TTAADC boundaries, TIPRA Motha has expanded the demand to “Greater Tipraland,” seeking inclusion of tribal villages outside the ADC.
| Party Name | Statehood Demand | Political Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| IPFT | Tipraland (TTAADC areas) | BJP ally, tribal-centric |
| TIPRA Motha | Greater Tipraland | Second-largest party in Assembly |
| CPI(M) – Left | Opposed to statehood | Accused of weakening movement |
IPFT leaders accused the Left of “deliberately diluting tribal aspirations” during its decades-long rule, citing underdevelopment and demographic shifts in tribal regions.
🧠 National Federation of New States Extends Support
NFNS chief S.G. Sanyal, who attended the rally, declared Tipraland a “legitimate constitutional demand” and urged IPFT to pressurize the Centre. He drew parallels with Vidarbha’s movement in Maharashtra and pledged full support to IPFT’s campaign.
| NFNS Support Statement | Key Message |
|---|---|
| Legitimacy of Demand | Tipraland valid under Articles 2 and 3 |
| Historical Leadership | Tribute to late N.C. Debbarma’s vision |
| Call to Action | “Continue the movement strongly” |
| Future Plans | Joint protest at Jantar Mantar in November |
The IPFT plans to join other statehood movements—Gorkhaland, Kukiland, Karbi Anglong—at a national demonstration in New Delhi later this year.
📉 IPFT’s Political Trajectory and Challenges
Once Tripura’s largest tribal party, IPFT has seen its influence wane over the past seven years due to internal splits and the rise of TIPRA Motha. Despite being part of the ruling coalition, its core demand remains unfulfilled.
| Year | Milestone Event | Impact on IPFT |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | IPFT founded | Tribal self-determination slogan |
| 2009 | Merged with INPT, revived Tipraland demand | Renewed political momentum |
| 2021 | TIPRA Motha wins TTAADC polls | IPFT loses tribal stronghold |
| 2023 | TIPRA Motha becomes 2nd-largest party | IPFT marginalized in Assembly |
Despite setbacks, IPFT leaders insist they remain the “original voice” of Tipraland and will not abandon their constitutional demand.
🧠 Youth Mobilization and Future Strategy
IPFT’s youth wing organized a motorcycle rally across Agartala to mark Statehood Demand Day. The party also plans to hold awareness drives in tribal villages and intensify outreach ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
| Mobilization Strategy | Planned Activities |
|---|---|
| Youth Engagement | Rallies, workshops, cultural events |
| Village Outreach | Door-to-door campaigns in TTAADC areas |
| National Advocacy | Jantar Mantar protest, parliamentary memo |
| Media Campaign | Social media, tribal radio, local press |
IPFT leaders believe that sustained grassroots mobilization will revive support and pressure the Centre to act.
📌 Conclusion
The Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura’s renewed push for Tipraland statehood reflects deep-rooted tribal aspirations and constitutional activism. While political competition and shifting alliances have challenged its dominance, the party remains committed to its core demand and is rallying national support to amplify its voice.
As Tripura’s tribal politics evolve, the IPFT’s campaign for Tipraland continues to be a defining issue—one that could reshape the state’s future and test the Centre’s commitment to regional autonomy.
—
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 24, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political, legal, or electoral advice.
