Tripura: Tipra Motha claims role in BJP’s 2023 assembly victory

Agartala: Tipra Motha Party leader and Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Chief Executive Member Purna Chandra Jamatia on Tuesday claimed the BJP retained power in 2023 assembly elections because Tipra Motha fielded candidates in 42 constituencies.

Jamatia was speaking at a press conference held to welcome 21 leaders who left the BJP to join Tipra Motha.

“The BJP could retain power in 2023 because Tipra Motha contested 42 seats and there were no alliances,” Jamatia said, with party colleague Hangsha Kumar Tripura and Minister Brisheketu Debbarma by his side.

Jamatia asserted that Tipra Motha is poised for a stronger victory in the upcoming TTAADC elections. “Some predict Tipra Motha will disappear by 2026. That is far from reality. Last time we won 18 seats initially. After Hangsha Kumar Tripura joined, our strength grew to 19 out of 28 seats. This time, we aim for 25 to 26 seats,” he said, countering BJP General Secretary Bipin Debbarma, who predicted a poll debacle for Tipra Motha.

He also highlighted funding issues in the TTAADC. “More than 83 percent of rubber production comes from TTAADC areas. Yet, the council does not get any GST revenue from it. We only receive Rs 1 crore for school education and Rs 6 crore for PWD,” Jamatia added.

Meanwhile, Minister Brishaketu Debbarma said the 21 leaders officially joining Tipra Motha had earlier worked for the BJP. “Leaders from two assembly constituencies joined us, strengthening the party in the entire Chawmanu area,” he said.

Mohan Lal Chakma, who also switched sides, claimed the BJP is likely to face a major electoral setback in Chawmanu and Karamcherra.