Agartala, Dec 19: In a major political shift ahead of the upcoming ADC elections, Tipra Motha faced a significant setback in Unakoti district on Friday as 197 voters, led by district president Dhirendra Debbarma, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The joining took place in the presence of Ministers Tinku Roy and Bikash Debbarma.
The programme, held at Pancham Nagar under Mailong ADC Village in Kailashahar, also saw a section of CPI(M) supporters switching allegiance to the BJP.
Senior BJP leaders attended the event, including Janajati Morcha state general secretary Bipin Debbarma, BJP Unakoti district president Bimal Kar, Janajati Morcha Unakoti district president Purna Mohan Debbarma, MDCs Sanjit Reang and Kangshai Mog, and Unakoti Zilla Sabhadhipati Amalendu Das.
Speaking at the gathering, Minister Tinku Roy claimed that Tipra Motha’s organisational base in Unakoti had eroded, stating that most local functionaries had joined the BJP under the leadership of Dhirendra Debbarma. He further said the remaining members were expected to join the party soon.
Minister Bikash Debbarma launched a scathing attack on Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Kishore and CPI(M), and referred to opposition leader Jitendra Chaudhury. He challenged Chaudhury to contest and win an ST-reserved seat in the 2028 Assembly polls.
He alleged that CPI(M) had deceived tribal communities for 35 years and would not return to power in Tripura. He also accused Tipra Motha of misleading tribal youths with “false dreams” of Greater Tipraland, and weakening the ADC administration over the past five years. According to him, development in Tripura was achievable only under BJP leadership led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The joining programme drew a massive turnout of BJP workers and supporters, signaling intensified political engagements ahead of the ADC elections.
