Political tensions in Tripura’s tribal belt have intensified as the war of words between the ruling BJP and its former ally, TIPRA Motha, escalates over the emerging “One North East” narrative. The controversy comes at a crucial time, with the TTAADC and Village Council elections expected early next year.
The debate sharpened after senior BJP tribal leader and former MP Rebati Tripura launched a strong attack against TIPRA Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Rebati alleged that Pradyot’s new push for One North East was yet another “emotionally manipulative tactic” aimed at misleading the indigenous electorate. He accused TIPRA Motha of failing to deliver in the TTAADC and turning it into a “corruption hub,” resisting audits despite receiving substantial funds from both the state and Centre.
Pradyot responded sharply through a live social media session, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated. He said vested interests were uncomfortable with his call for unity among indigenous communities across the Northeast. According to him, those who had benefitted for decades from tribal poverty were now attacking him personally. “If they want to counter me, they should counter my political demands—land rights, Roman script for Kokborok, Tiprasa unity, and stronger representation,” he said.
Without taking names, he accused some tribal leaders of being “rubber stamps” controlled by others. Pradyot reminded his supporters that several of his earlier demands, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Tripura’s voters list, were initially ridiculed but later echoed by the Chief Minister himself.
Reiterating his One North East vision, Pradyot urged his followers to remain strong despite personal attacks. As both parties gear up for the upcoming elections, the issue has added a sharp ideological edge, with BJP calling it manipulation and Motha framing it as indigenous solidarity across the region.
