Agartala, March 24: Discontent surfaced within Tipra Motha on Tuesday as a group of party workers and leaders staged a protest at the residence of party supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, opposing the reported decision to replace the sitting Member of District Council (MDC) in the 24 Raima Valley TTAADC constituency.
The protest took place outside Debbarman’s residence in Agartala, which also functions as the party’s de facto headquarters. Demonstrators expressed strong dissatisfaction over the likely denial of a ticket to incumbent MDC and Executive Member Rajesh Tripura, warning that the move could have serious electoral repercussions.
Protesters claimed that a significant section of voters in the constituency supports Rajesh Tripura and may shift allegiance or abstain from voting if he is not renominated. According to agitating leaders, the decision could impact nearly 22,000 voters, potentially weakening the party’s prospects in the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.
Although Tipra Motha has not officially released its list of candidates, party sources indicated that Rajesh Tripura is likely to be replaced by Dhananjoy Tripura. The latter had served as an MLA from the Raima Valley Assembly constituency between 2018 and 2023 while being associated with the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT). He later joined Tipra Motha but was not fielded in the 2023 Assembly elections.
On Monday evening, Dhananjoy Tripura posted messages on social media highlighting his past contributions and sacrifices for the party, fuelling speculation about his candidature. Soon after news of the possible change spread among party workers, a section of Youth Tipra Federation (YTF) leaders mobilised and travelled to Agartala to register their protest.
Despite repeated attempts, the protesters were unable to meet Debbarman or convey their concerns directly. The agitating leaders reiterated that overlooking the sitting MDC could alienate grassroots supporters and damage the party’s standing in the constituency.
Tipra Motha YTF Block Secretary Nabin Kumar Tripura voiced the concerns of the protesters, stating that while he personally respects Debbarman, the public sentiment in the constituency strongly favours the incumbent MDC. “If the ticket is denied, a large number of voters may turn away from the party. Whether they support another party or abstain, it will adversely affect our electoral prospects,” he said.
The development highlights emerging internal challenges within Tipra Motha as it prepares for the crucial TTAADC elections scheduled next month.
