BJP MLA Kishor Barman was inducted into the Tripura cabinet, reaching its full strength of 12 members. The Nalchar legislator took oath in a ceremony led by Governor Indra Sena Reddy. The opposition boycotted the event, alleging political violence. This marks the second cabinet expansion under CM Manik Saha.
The Tripura Council of Ministers reached its full strength of 12 on Thursday with the induction of Kishor Barman, a first-time legislator and senior BJP leader. Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu administered the oath of office and secrecy to Barman during a brief but significant ceremony at the Raj Bhavan’s Durbar Hall in the New Capital Complex on the outskirts of Agartala.
Barman, who represents the Nalchar Assembly constituency in Sepahijala district, is 45 years old and currently serves as one of the General Secretaries of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Tripura. A dynamic political figure, he was entrusted with handling BJP’s electoral campaigns in West Bengal during its last Assembly elections, prior to Tripura’s 2023 polls.
His swearing-in marks the second expansion of the cabinet led by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha. The first expansion took place on March 7, 2024, when two Tipra Motha Party (TMP) MLAs, Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma, were inducted into the ministry following a historic tripartite agreement between the Centre, the Tripura government, and the TMP.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Saha, his cabinet colleagues, senior government officials, BJP MPs, and dignitaries. However, the political divide in the state was on full display as opposition parties—CPI(M) and Congress—boycotted the ceremony. They cited ongoing political violence and repression of opposition leaders and workers as reasons for their protest.
Who Is Kishor Barman?
Kishor Barman emerged as a new political face in the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections, securing a decisive victory from Nalchar. His rise within the BJP has been notable, and he has long been regarded as an organizational stalwart within the party. Known for his strategic thinking, Barman played a key role in shaping BJP’s campaign strategies in neighboring West Bengal before shifting focus back to his home state.
Adding a personal milestone to his political journey, Barman got married just days before being sworn into the council of ministers, making this period particularly momentous for him.
Barman’s Vision and Message
Following the ceremony, Barman addressed the media and later shared an emotional message via social media, expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP National President J.P. Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other central and state leaders for entrusting him with ministerial responsibilities.
In his post, he wrote:
“From today, we will unitedly strive in the field to build ‘One Tripura, Shreshtha Tripura’ and pledge to establish Tripura as a strong and prosperous state in the court of India and the world. BJP Zindabad. Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
His induction also coincided with the beginning of the week-long traditional Kharchi Puja, adding cultural significance to the day.
Political Implications
The latest cabinet expansion reinforces BJP’s hold in the state legislature and demonstrates the party’s commitment to internal organizational growth by promoting loyal and efficient party workers. Barman’s elevation is also seen as a strategic move to further consolidate the party’s base in the Nalchar and Sepahijala regions.
With this appointment, the Saha-led ministry now comprises 12 members — the maximum permissible strength in the 60-member Tripura Assembly. The BJP-IPFT alliance had returned to power in March 2023, securing a total of 33 seats, with the BJP winning 32 and IPFT just one.
The opposition, particularly the CPI(M) and Congress, continues to allege that the state’s ruling coalition has engaged in politically motivated violence against its workers. Both parties have joined forces in recent elections but continue to face stiff resistance from the growing influence of the BJP and the rising clout of tribal-based TMP.
The Changing Face of Tripura Politics
Since the 2023 elections, Tripura’s political landscape has seen dynamic shifts. The entry of TMP into the ruling coalition and now the elevation of a new BJP face suggests a broader attempt at balancing traditional support bases with fresh energy and talent.
| Also Read: Tripura Cabinet expansion on July 3: Kishore Barman likely to be inducted |
With tribal politics gaining momentum and the BJP maintaining a firm grip, the coming years could see further political realignments in the state. Kishor Barman’s appointment marks not just a cabinet expansion, but potentially a signal of generational and organizational transformation within the BJP in Tripura.
