BJP Janajati Morcha leaders met B.L. Santosh in New Delhi to strategize for the upcoming Tripura ADC elections. Facing stiff competition from ally Tipra Motha, the party aims to revive its dormant tribal wing through organisational changes and targeted outreach ahead of the high-stakes polls.
With the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections scheduled for next year, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) tribal wing, Janajati Morcha, has begun its groundwork to reclaim influence in the state’s tribal politics. On Monday, a six-member delegation of the BJP Janajati Morcha met with BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh in New Delhi, in what political observers describe as a strategically significant development.
The meeting comes at a time when the BJP faces stiff competition from its coalition partner, Tipra Motha Party (TMP), which has emerged as its strongest rival in tribal-dominated regions. In the 2021 TTAADC polls, the BJP finished as the second-largest party and has since been serving as the opposition in the council. With Tipra Motha dominating the tribal political landscape, the BJP is working to revive its Janajati Morcha as an effective force before the upcoming elections.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, former Lok Sabha MP and senior BJP leader Rebati Tripura said,
“B.L. Santosh Ji holds the position of BJP National General Secretary (Organisation). Naturally, we have discussed organisational issues of the party. During the discussions, we informed him about the political situation of the state. Several issues pertaining to the organisational appointments of the party came up for discussion.”
The delegation included key figures such as Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, BJP State General Secretary Bipin Debbarma, MLA Rampada Jamatia, MDC and Leader of the Opposition in TTAADC Bimal Chakma, and BJP Janajati Morcha state president and former MLA Parimal Debbarma.
Internal Challenges and a Dormant Tribal Wing
Party insiders admit that the Janajati Morcha has been facing an “existential crisis” due to the growing strength of Tipra Motha. While the BJP managed to win seven Scheduled Tribe-reserved seats in the 2023 state assembly elections, the party’s tribal wing has reportedly been in a state of inactivity since then.
“No major political activities have been organised since the elections. The Janajati Morcha has been functioning more like a signboard, while Tipra Motha has been consistent in public outreach and political campaigning,” a senior party functionary observed.
Tipra Motha, despite being a junior ally in the BJP-led government, has frequently criticised the state administration on issues concerning the tribal population, further consolidating its position among tribal voters.
The Road to ADC 2026
With the TTAADC elections expected to be a high-stakes battle, Monday’s meeting is viewed as an attempt to chalk out a revival plan for the Janajati Morcha. Political observers believe that discussions likely revolved around organisational restructuring, leadership appointments, and campaign strategies tailored to tribal regions.
The BJP leadership is aware that unless it revitalises its tribal wing, it risks losing further ground to Tipra Motha, which has effectively tapped into tribal sentiments through consistent outreach programs and vocal advocacy on tribal rights.
Analysts point out that the BJP’s performance in the 2021 ADC polls was promising, but its inability to sustain momentum has cost it politically in tribal areas. The party now aims to correct course ahead of the upcoming elections.
A Turning Point for BJP’s Tribal Politics?
The timing and composition of the delegation suggest that the BJP is taking the ADC elections seriously. Engaging with B.L. Santosh, who plays a pivotal role in organisational decision-making, could lead to decisive moves to strengthen the Janajati Morcha.
| Also Read: Tripura Fire Service aspirants demand immediate recruitment |
If the meeting results in a well-coordinated grassroots strategy, the BJP might be able to counter Tipra Motha’s growing influence and reposition itself as a leading political force in Tripura’s tribal belts. However, without consistent engagement and presence on the ground, the party’s tribal revival plans may face significant challenges.
For now, political circles in Tripura are closely watching how the Janajati Morcha translates this high-level meeting into action on the ground — and whether the saffron party can reclaim lost ground in the tribal heartland before the polls.
