Agartala, July 5:
In a significant development that could shake the foundations of the ruling alliance in Tripura, Tipra Motha—an ally of the BJP—has issued an ultimatum to the state government, threatening to withdraw support if the Tiprasa Accord is not implemented and illegal infiltration from Bangladesh is not curbed.
Speaking to reporters during a press conference in Agartala Press Club on Saturday, senior Tipra Motha leader and MLA Ranjit Debbarma said the party leadership, including founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, held a series of internal meetings and resolved to seek a final commitment from Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi before July 20. If the central leadership fails to respond positively, Tipra Motha may sever ties with the Manik Saha-led BJP government.
“We have waited patiently for over a year since the signing of the Accord more than a year ago (in March 2023), which promised constitutional safeguards, direct funding to tribal councils, and protection of indigenous rights,” said Ranjit Debbarma. “But not a single step has been taken. What is the point of being in the government if our demands are ignored?”
He further revealed that a delegation of all 13 Tipra Motha MLAs, including its ministers and party head Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, will meet Amit Shah to press for urgent implementation. Failure to deliver will result in withdrawal of support, he warned.
In a major symbolic move, Ranjit Debbarma disclosed that BJP MP Kriti Devi Debbarma—Pradyot’s sister and a key figure in forging the post-Accord alliance—has expressed willingness to resign from her Lok Sabha seat over the government’s inaction. Her potential resignation could send a strong political message and deal a blow to the BJP-Motha alliance.
The party also expressed serious concern over the continued infiltration from Bangladesh, calling it a “national threat.”
Despite a Ministry of Home Affairs directive issued on May 19 to tighten border control, Tipra Motha alleged that illegal settlements continue to grow, leading to the displacement of indigenous populations.
“Despite repeated letters to District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police, and even the Chief Minister, no action has been taken,” Debbarma said adding that the 125th Amendment Act is alao vital for the region and should be passed.
The party’s final decision will be announced post the Delhi meeting. As Ranjit Debbarma put it, “We are ready to walk away from power rather than betray the trust of our people.”
In the current 60-member Tripura Legislative Assembly, the BJP holds 32 seats—just above the majority mark—while Tipra Motha has 13, IPFT one, CPI(M) 11, and Congress three. A withdrawal of Tipra Motha’s support could lead to new political alignments or instability in the state.
