Agartala: In what appears to be a major political setback for Tipra Motha, two senior leaders of the party switched sides to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hours before the saffron party announced its list of candidates for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) polls on Tuesday.
Both sitting MDCs–Ananta Debbarma and Saudagar Kaloi–who had been in the Tipra Motha party for the last five years, shall contest the elections on BJP tickets this time.
Ananta Debbarma was also appointed an Executive Member, equivalent to a Minister, in the Tribal District Council.
The BJP has fielded candidates in all 28 seats. Unlike in 2021, the BJP is contesting the elections alone without any alliance with regional partners, be it Tipra Motha or IPFT, both of whom had been considered dominant in the tribal belt.
Releasing the list at the party’s state headquarters, BJP Tripura president Rajib Bhattacharjee said the party has opted to contest independently this time, unlike the 2021 polls when it had a seat-sharing arrangement with IPFT.
“The BJP has resolved to field nominees in all 28 constituencies, and the selected candidates will complete their nomination formalities within the next two days,” he said.
Bhattacharjee further indicated that the party has largely retained continuity in its line-up, noting that out of the nine seats won in 2021, most sitting MDCs have been renominated, with only two constituencies—Machmara and Manu Chailengta—seeing changes.
The BJP has fielded several prominent leaders, including Bipin Debbarma, Bimal Chakma, David Debbarma and Bhumika Nanda Reang. Notably, two recent entrants from Tipra Motha—Ananta Debbarma and Saudagar Kaloi—have also been accommodated in the party’s candidate list soon after joining.
Earlier in the day, the leaders joined the BJP in the presence of Chief Minister Manik Saha, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy and other senior leaders, in what is being viewed as a setback for Tipra Motha ahead of the polls.
Apart from them, Rajesh Kumar Debbarma, Tashiram Reang and Surjabasi Molsom also switched sides. They had served in several important organisational positions.
Addressing the joining programme, Bhattacharjee said, “Joining of new leaders will continue in phases, as many other leaders from other parties are likely to join the BJP in the run-up to the elections.”
According to him, those joining the party have faith in the broader vision of “Viksit Bharat” and “Viksit Tripura”. “The Chief Minister believes the progress of indigenous communities is essential for the overall development of the state. This is reflected in the budget tabled in the state assembly,” he added.
Stating that significant priority has been accorded to tribal welfare, he said, “A substantial portion of the total budget has been allocated towards cultural preservation and infrastructure development in TTAADC areas.”
Speaking after joining the BJP, Saudagar Kaloi criticised his former party, alleging that it had drifted away from its core objective of development.
“Despite raising slogans around Tipraland and Greater Tipraland, which largely demand greater autonomy and development of tribal communities, the focus has shifted towards internal power struggles rather than addressing the needs of the people,” said Kaloi.
He also levelled serious allegations of corruption within Tipra Motha, claiming that irregularities in the council areas had reached alarming levels and asserting that he possesses evidence to substantiate his claims.
Kaloi further stated that he holds respect for the party’s founder, Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, but believes that several individuals surrounding him lack integrity and honesty. “Some elected representatives are involved in extortion from government contractors,” he claimed.
Meanwhile, Bhattacharjee appealed to voters to support the BJP, urging them to back the party to ensure a transparent and accountable administration in the Sixth Schedule areas.
The TTAADC elections are scheduled to be held on April 12.
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