Agartala: Oct 29. In a major political setback for the BJP in the Charilam Assembly constituency, ahead of key polls such as Village Committees and upcoming ADC election, around 395 families comprising 1,702 voters have joined the Tipra Motha Party, citing factional disputes and leadership negligence within the BJP’s local unit.
The mass defection took place during a large joining rally at Bishramganj Motor Stand on Wednesday afternoon, organized by the Tipra Motha Party. Senior Party leaders including Minister of State Brishaketu Debbarma, MLAs Manab Debbarma, Subodh Debbarma, MDC Ganesh Debbarma and Charilam Block President Gautam Buddha Debbarma, were in attendance.
Sources said the exodus began from Arailia Panchayat, the home area of BJP Mandal President Tapas Das, where this is reportedly the fourth major wave of defections to Motha under his leadership. Locals allege that the Mandal president has been more focused on negotiation deals than party organizations, causing widespread dissatisfaction among grassroots workers.
The defecting leaders alleged that the internal rift within the party they referred to as the “Dada-Didi group clash”, have further weakened BJP’s organizational strength in the region.
Many locals predict that if the current trend continues, the BJP may continue to struggle in the Charilam seat again for the next Assembly polls, as Motha appears to have gained a dominant foothold in the constituency.
