TMP chief Pradyot Debbarma meets BPF president Hagrama Mohilary, emphasizing regional unity in Northeast India. The meeting follows BTC elections, signaling growing tribal alliances and strategic collaboration ahead of Tripura elections and regional political developments.
Tipra Motha Party (TMP) chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma on Sunday emphasized the importance of regional unity in the region during a high-profile meeting with Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) President Hagrama Mohilary. The meeting took place at the swearing-in ceremony of Mohilary, who assumed office as the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in Assam’s Kokrajhar district.
Debbarma, who attended the ceremony, reiterated his commitment to fostering a cohesive regional voice among the north-eastern states. The TMP leader, an ally of the BJP, had also campaigned in support of the BPF during the recently concluded BTC elections, highlighting a growing political collaboration aimed at consolidating tribal representation and interests in the region.
The BTC elections, held on September 22, saw the BPF secure a decisive victory, winning 28 of the 40 seats. The BJP and its ally, the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), managed only five and seven seats, respectively, resulting in the BPF ousting the UPPL from power in the council.
Sharing a joint photograph with Mohilary on social media platforms X and Facebook, Debbarma wrote, “Met Hagrama Mohilary at the swearing-in ceremony at Kokrajhar. I am glad that we campaigned together despite many who were opposed to see us together. Regional unity and voice is a must.” The TMP also released a post captioned, “Two Tigers in One Frame — Bubagra Pradyot Bikram Manikya with Hagrama Mohilary (BPF chief and the newly elected Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council) after his oath-taking ceremony today at Kokrajhar.”
Despite claims by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that the BPF is part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Mohilary clarified that his party would not join the coalition as long as the UPPL remains in it. “The BJP must drop UPPL from the NDA. Only then will we be part of the coalition,” Mohilary asserted, signaling potential shifts in regional political alignments.
The TMP, meanwhile, continues its complex and sometimes tense relationship with its ally BJP in Tripura. Over the past few months, clashes between party workers have resulted in injuries to over 15 BJP members. With early elections scheduled next year for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), both parties are actively working to consolidate their tribal voter base.
Since 2021, TMP has been governing the 30-member TTAADC, covering two-thirds of Tripura’s 10,491 sq km area and home to approximately 12.16 lakh people, 84% of whom are tribals. TMP has been vocally critical of the BJP government in Tripura, particularly over alleged inaction regarding illegal migrants, demanding immediate deportation. In line with this agenda, the party has called for a 12-hour state-wide shutdown on October 13.
The TMP has also actively engaged with central leadership to address tribal concerns. In July and August, a TMP delegation led by Debbarma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Minister, and BJP President J.P. Nadda in Delhi, urging a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Tripura’s electoral rolls, similar to the exercise in Bihar. The delegation also pressed for the early implementation of the tripartite accord signed in March last year to secure constitutional rights and improve socio-economic conditions for indigenous populations.
Earlier, on September 9, TMP held a demonstration in Delhi advocating three core demands: implementation of the tripartite accord, deportation of illegal migrants, and protection of indigenous rights. Additionally, the party has been campaigning for the creation of “Greater Tipraland,” a separate state for tribals under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution, along with early village committee elections in TTAADC areas.
The political landscape of Tripura witnessed a notable twist when TMP, with 13 MLAs, joined the BJP-led coalition government on March 7, 2024, following the signing of the tripartite agreement. As part of this coalition, TMP leaders Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma were inducted into the state ministry headed by Chief Minister Manik Saha.
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The recent meeting between TMP chief Debbarma and BPF president Mohilary underscores a broader strategy to strengthen regional alliances, tribal representation, and political unity in Northeast India—a region often characterized by fragmented political landscapes and competing local interests. The coming months, especially with upcoming elections in Tripura and other north-eastern states, are expected to witness further strategic collaborations and political maneuvers among regional parties.
