Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President Asish Kumar Saha has launched a sharp attack on the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), claiming that the regional party is steadily losing its base and public support. According to Saha, the party is currently struggling with internal disagreements and an eroding organisational structure.
Saha’s remarks came a day after TMP MLA Ranjit Debbarma publicly stated that the party could withdraw support from the BJP-led government if its demands under the Tiprasa Accord are not met. Interestingly, TMP founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma responded to the statement by saying he was unaware of it and speculated that it might have stemmed from frustration within the party ranks.
Addressing the media on Sunday, Congress President Saha pointed out the apparent contradiction between TMP’s MLA and its party chief, calling it a clear sign of disunity. “Statements from their MLAs suggesting withdrawal from the government clearly show that they are trying to bargain. They had made many promises to the indigenous population during the elections, but now their failure to deliver is costing them public trust,” Saha said.
Highlighting the growing dissatisfaction among the tribal population, Saha added, “Just yesterday, several indigenous people joined the Congress, leaving behind parties like IPFT, BJP, and Tipra Motha. This shift in loyalty shows that the indigenous community now sees Congress as a more stable and committed alternative.”
Saha further criticized regional parties with what he termed “temporary agendas,” saying they often emerge by appealing to emotion but fail to maintain long-term relevance. “History has shown that such parties use the sentiments of the indigenous people, only to disappear once elections are over. Tipra Motha is now facing the same fate. Their internal confusion and public statements without party consensus reflect their weakening foundation,” he said.
The Congress leader also stressed that his party has always stood for the rights of all communities in Tripura, especially the indigenous population. “Our leaders are actively visiting villages and towns across the state to engage with people and raise awareness about the current issues facing Tripura and the country. While other parties indulge in theatrics, Congress is focusing on real issues,” he asserted.
As political tensions rise in Tripura, the Congress appears to be positioning itself as the main alternative for both tribal and non-tribal voters, capitalizing on the instability within the TMP and its alliance with the BJP. With the Tiprasa Accord’s implementation still uncertain, the political climate in the state is expected to remain volatile in the coming weeks.
