Tensions are mounting within Tripura’s ruling alliance as the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), a key partner in the BJP-led coalition, has raised serious concerns over the delay in implementing the Tiprasa Accord. The issue took a sharper turn after TMP legislator Ranjit Debbarma issued a public warning that the party may withdraw support from the coalition government, citing non-fulfilment of promises made under the historic agreement.
Debbarma’s statement on July 5 has sparked political tremors in the state, with Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha choosing to remain tight-lipped. “He belongs to a separate party. What he is saying is his view. It is not wise for me to pass any comment on the statement,” the Chief Minister said when questioned by reporters.
The Tipra Motha Party currently holds 13 seats in the 60-member Tripura Legislative Assembly and has two ministers in the cabinet. Though the BJP enjoys a majority with 33 seats and additional backing from one IPFT MLA, the potential pullout by the TMP is politically significant. It could strain tribal-BJP relations and impact future alliance dynamics, especially with the indigenous electorate.
At the centre of the controversy lies the Tiprasa Accord, a tripartite agreement signed in March 2024 between the Tipra Motha Party, the Government of Tripura, and the Union Government. The accord was seen as a breakthrough move to address long-pending socio-political and economic issues faced by the indigenous tribal communities of Tripura. The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and was expected to usher in a new era of development, autonomy, and inclusion.
However, more than 18 months since the signing, key components of the accord remain unimplemented, according to TMP leaders. The frustration has been growing within the party’s rank and file, and Debbarma’s latest statement is being seen as a reflection of that growing discontent.
Responding to the developments, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, the supremo of the Tipra Motha Party, took a conciliatory yet firm tone. “I don’t know about the statement made by our MLA Ranjit Debbarma, but I will surely talk to him. Today, I had a conversation with Chief Minister Manik Saha, and I told him that it has been 18 months since the Tiprasa Accord was signed,” Pradyot said on Saturday.
He acknowledged the sense of unease within the party and among supporters. “If MLA Debbarma spoke about withdrawing support from the government, it would be out of frustration, because a genuine sense of insecurity and disappointment is prevailing in rural areas,” he added.
While Dr. Manik Saha has refrained from directly responding to Debbarma’s remarks, he did clarify that the state government is in regular touch with the TMP leadership. “The process is on to implement the Tiprasa Accord linked to the development of the indigenous people of the northeastern state,” he said. However, no specific timeline or progress update was provided.
