BJP’s central observers Sambit Patra and Rajdeep Roy held a key meeting in Tripura amid rising tensions within the party and alliance partner Tipra Motha. Internal rifts, controversies, and pre-election challenges dominate state politics ahead of TTAADC polls.
Amid escalating internal tensions and widening cracks in its alliance with the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tripura convened a crucial closed-door meeting on Wednesday at its state headquarters in Agartala. The meeting, attended by top state leaders and central observers, sought to defuse the growing dissent and restore organisational cohesion ahead of the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.
According to party insiders, BJP’s Northeast coordinator and national spokesperson Dr. Sambit Patra and central observer Dr. Rajdeep Roy, a former Lok Sabha MP, led the high-level discussions. The meeting witnessed the presence of senior ministers, MLAs, and office bearers, reflecting the party’s concern over recent controversies and internal disagreements.
Dr. Patra, who represents Puri in the Lok Sabha, arrived in Tripura on Tuesday with Dr. Roy. Upon arrival, the duo offered prayers at the 524-year-old Tripura Sundari Temple, one of Hinduism’s revered Shakti Peethas. Following that, Patra held a series of closed meetings with Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, state BJP president Rajib Bhattacharjee, and several key ministers and legislators.
On social media platform X, CM Saha posted:
“Had a courtesy meeting with Hon’ble MP & Northeast Coordinator of BJP Sambit Patra at my official residence today. We discussed various key organisational issues.”
State Tourism and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, in a Facebook post, stated that the meeting delved into upcoming organisational programs and political strategies. “At the state party headquarters today, Dr. Sambit Patra, Dr. Rajdeep Roy, party president Rajib Bhattacharjee, and my esteemed colleagues from the state council of ministers, MLAs, and senior party functionaries attended an organisational meeting,” he wrote.
However, behind the formal smiles and photo ops, the BJP’s internal situation appears increasingly volatile. A series of public controversies and disciplinary issues have exposed factional cracks within the ruling party, particularly between supporters of former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and other senior leaders.
Recently, the party served a show-cause notice to BJP MLA Tafajjal Hossain for making adverse comments against Biplab Deb and former Union Minister Pratima Bhowmik. During a public event in Boxanagar on October 18, Hossain accused the two leaders of neglecting local development, alleging they withheld funds for a stadium project. The BJP’s disciplinary wing warned that unsatisfactory replies could lead to further action.
Adding fuel to the fire, Minister Sudhangshu Das sparked outrage after a viral video showed him admitting that some leaders collect money from contractors for “social expenses.” The statement triggered severe backlash from the opposition CPI-M and Congress, both accusing the BJP of institutional corruption. Under mounting criticism, Das threatened legal action against his critics, including Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury, calling the controversy “deeply embarrassing.”
In another flashpoint, Pratima Bhoumik, now a senior BJP leader and former Union Minister, clashed with police officers in Dhalai district last week after her convoy was stopped at a checkpoint. The argument, which took place near Nailahabari, raised eyebrows within the party and highlighted the growing disconnect between the government and its enforcement agencies.
The situation is further complicated by the strained ties between the BJP and its ally, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP). Despite being partners in governance, recent months have seen rising hostility between the two sides. TMP activists have reportedly attacked BJP workers in several districts, injuring over 20.
Last month, the Tiprasa Civil Society (TCS), led by TMP MLA Ranjit Debbarma, enforced a 24-hour state-wide bandh demanding the deportation of illegal migrants. Violent incidents during the shutdown at Santirbazar left at least a dozen people seriously injured, including government officials like BDO Abhijit Majumdar and SDPO Samudra Debbarma.
With the TTAADC elections approaching early next year, the BJP and TMP are both stepping up outreach to tribal voters. However, their “sweet-and-sour” alliance has become increasingly unstable, threatening to disrupt the BJP’s larger political calculus in the state.
As the party’s central observers assess the ground situation, Wednesday’s meeting is being viewed as a critical attempt to contain infighting, discipline errant leaders, and rebuild coordination before the electoral battle begins.
| Also Read: BJP–TMP rift widens as Sambit Patra holds crucial talks |
For the BJP in Tripura, the coming months will be a test of unity, leadership, and strategic balance — not only within its own ranks but also in its fragile partnership with the Tipra Motha Party.
