The Election Commission of India has assured the Tipra Motha Party that a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls will be conducted nationwide, including in Tripura, to curb illegal voting amid concerns over unchecked immigration and fraudulent documentation affecting the state’s indigenous population and electoral integrity.
In a development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has assured the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) that a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls will be conducted across the country, including in Tripura. This commitment comes after a high-level meeting between the poll panel and a delegation from TMP led by its supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma.
The TMP delegation, comprising nine members including state ministers Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma, met the full ECI team at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi. The ECI was led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi also present.
Following the meeting, Debbarma, a former royal scion and vocal advocate for tribal rights, told the media that the SIR would be implemented nationwide, as assured by the Commission. He highlighted the urgent need for a thorough verification of the electoral rolls in Tripura to identify and remove illegal voters. “Illegal migration is affecting our state and the entire Northeast. If we fail to identify illegal voters now, the next generation will pay the price. The ECI has assured us that the SIR will be undertaken across India, including Tripura,” said the TMP chief.
TMP’s Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
The TMP has been pushing for a Bihar-like model of SIR in Tripura, which involves a comprehensive door-to-door verification of voter records. In a formal letter submitted to the ECI, the TMP urged the Commission to prioritize Tripura given its unique vulnerabilities.
Tripura shares an 856-km international border with Bangladesh, much of which is inadequately fenced and difficult to monitor. This porous border, according to the TMP, has facilitated a steady influx of undocumented immigrants, leading to a disruption in the socio-economic fabric of the region and distortion in the democratic electoral process.
“The unchecked influx of undocumented immigrants has diluted the electoral rolls, undermining the democratic rights of indigenous communities,” the TMP stated. The party further alleged that many of these illegal immigrants have acquired critical documents such as EPICs, Aadhaar, PAN cards, driving licences, and even passports, often through fraudulent means aided by corrupt officials, political operatives, and local brokers.
Historical Context and Ongoing Campaign
Referring to past efforts, the TMP reminded the Commission of the identification of around 1,46,000 illegal voters in Tripura in 2012, when then Joint Election Commissioner Vinod Saxena had personally intervened. Despite directives at the time to clean up the electoral rolls, the anomalies reportedly continue to this day.
Citing Census data from 1971 to 1991, the TMP highlighted that Tripura’s population growth during this period far exceeded the national average, a trend that continues to manifest in demographic and electoral patterns. The TMP believes this abnormal growth is linked to unchecked immigration and fraudulent electoral enrolment.
TMP leaders have expressed concern that such demographic shifts could jeopardize the socio-economic and cultural rights of the indigenous population, particularly the tribals. Pradyot Debbarma has consistently called for the immediate deportation of illegal immigrants and stringent border security measures.
Anti-Infiltration Movement Gains Momentum
The TMP launched a state-wide anti-infiltration campaign in May 2025 to mobilize public awareness and pressure the government to act. Forest and Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma reiterated that no infiltrators would be allowed to remain in Tripura. “The government should deport those who entered Tripura after March 1971,” he stated.
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With the ECI’s assurance of a nationwide SIR, the TMP views this as a positive step toward restoring electoral integrity and protecting indigenous rights. However, party leaders emphasized that the implementation on the ground will be the true test of the Commission’s commitment.
