Agartala, August 26: The BJP–Tipra Motha alliance in Tripura is facing fresh political uncertainty ahead of the Assembly session beginning Thursday, with differences over the implementation of the March 2024 Tripartite Agreement once again coming to the fore.
The latest development came on Wednesday, with Tipra Motha MLAs expected to hold a separate meeting and dinner at the residence of party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma instead of attending the customary pre-Assembly coordination meeting of ruling alliance legislators at Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha’s official residence.
Pradyot indicated that the party’s legislators would meet at his residence on Wednesday evening. The move has sparked speculation over the level of coordination between the two alliance partners, which have been at odds over the implementation of commitments made under the Tripartite Agreement signed in New Delhi in March 2024 in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The agreement had raised expectations among Tripura’s indigenous population regarding long-standing political, constitutional, administrative and economic concerns. However, Tipra Motha has repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction over delays in implementing the agreement.
Pradyot has recently warned that continued inaction on issues concerning indigenous rights could have implications for the party’s political relationship with the BJP.
The issue assumes greater significance with the TTAADC Village Committee elections approaching and political differences between the two parties becoming increasingly visible.
The pre-Assembly meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence is generally aimed at coordinating the ruling side’s strategy, including floor management, key issues to be raised and responses to the Opposition. Tipra Motha’s reported plan for a separate meeting has therefore triggered questions about the alliance’s internal coordination.
Chief Minister Manik Saha, however, sought to downplay the development. Asked about the Tipra Motha legislators, he said they had also been invited to the meeting at his official residence and expressed hope that they would attend.
The immediate test will be whether Tipra Motha MLAs participate in the Chief Minister’s meeting or proceed with their separate deliberations.
The positions of senior Tipra Motha leaders, including Minister Animesh Debbarma and MLA Chitta Debbarma, are also being closely watched.
With the Assembly session set to begin Thursday, the developments have added another layer of uncertainty to the BJP–Tipra Motha relationship. The manner in which the two partners coordinate on the Tripartite Agreement, tribal issues and other contentious matters inside the House could offer a clearer indication of the alliance’s current state.
