Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma met with Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, triggering renewed speculation of a deepening rift between the ruling BJP and its key ally. The meeting, held just a day after BJP MP and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb paid a surprise visit to Pradyot at the royal Ujjayanta Palace, has added fuel to already simmering tensions within the Manik Saha-led coalition government.
These back-to-back high-level meetings have sent political temperatures soaring in the state, sparking discussions of a potential alliance breakdown. While no official statement has been released about the agenda of Pradyot’s meeting with the Governor, the timing and secrecy surrounding the visit have only amplified public curiosity and political speculation.
Sources close to the Tipra Motha camp suggest growing dissatisfaction over the delay in implementing the Tiprasa Accord, which was signed to address the socio-political demands of Tripura’s indigenous communities. The accord was a key reason for Tipra Motha’s conditional support to the BJP government. However, repeated delays and what the party sees as lack of seriousness from the BJP have led to increasing frustration within its ranks.
The recent remarks by Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma, who hinted at withdrawing support from the coalition if promises are not fulfilled, further signal rising internal dissent. While Pradyot had earlier stated that such comments may have stemmed from frustration, his back-to-back meetings with top leaders suggest a possible shift in political strategy.
Biplab Deb’s visit to the Ujjayanta Palace, though termed a courtesy call, came at a politically sensitive time. His effort to reach out personally to Pradyot may be seen as the BJP’s attempt to contain the situation before it spirals into a full-blown crisis.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, meanwhile, has remained tight-lipped on the unfolding political drama. However, insiders indicate that BJP is keeping a close watch on Tipra Motha’s next moves, especially as pressure mounts from tribal voters seeking fulfillment of pre-poll promises.
As the ruling alliance stands on shaky ground, Tripura’s political landscape appears to be heading into uncertain territory. Whether these high-level talks will result in reconciliation or rupture remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the Tipra Motha–BJP relationship is under intense strain.
With tribal aspirations at the heart of this political standoff, and leadership-level meetings taking place in rapid succession, Tripura could be on the brink of a major political realignment.
