BJP intensifies Janajati Morcha revival in Tripura ahead of TTAADC elections as CM Manik Saha unveils ‘New Tripura’ vision, inducts 5,050 voters, signals independent political strategy, and challenges opposition dominance in tribal regions.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched an aggressive political and organizational drive to revive its tribal wing, the Janajati Morcha, aiming to re-establish its independent strength in Tripura’s tribal-dominated regions ahead of the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections. The renewed push marks a strategic shift by the BJP after years of organizational neglect that had weakened its grassroots presence in the hills.
For a prolonged period, the Janajati Morcha remained side-lined within the state party structure, resulting in the BJP steadily losing political ground in the TTAADC areas. This vacuum forced the party to rely heavily on its ally, TIPRA Motha. However, despite being part of the ruling alliance, TIPRA Motha frequently adopted an aggressive posture, often acting like an opposition force. Incidents of alleged intimidation, disruption of BJP programmes, and attacks on party workers in tribal areas raised serious concerns within the BJP leadership.
As it became increasingly clear that excessive accommodation of its ally could prove politically disastrous, the BJP decided to recalibrate its approach. Party insiders described the earlier alliance-dependent strategy as unsustainable, prompting the leadership to strengthen its own tribal platform instead of outsourcing political influence in sensitive regions.
After receiving approval from the central leadership, the Tripura BJP formally activated the revival plan under the leadership of Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha. The process has gathered momentum, with frequent Janajati-focused programmes, mass outreach campaigns, and joining events being organized across the state. Senior and experienced tribal leaders such as Rebati Tripura and Bipin Debbarma have been tasked with leading the revival effort on the ground.
A major milestone in this campaign was achieved on Saturday when Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha welcomed 5,050 voters from 1,706 families into the BJP at a large public programme held in front of Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala. The event was projected as a symbolic demonstration of the BJP’s renewed acceptance among tribal communities.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister delivered a sharp political message aimed at both the opposition CPI(M) and, indirectly, TIPRA Motha. Recalling the Left Front’s long dominance in Tripura, Dr. Saha said that the communists once confidently began election calculations from 20 Assembly seats, treating tribal voters as a guaranteed vote bank.
“They used to start counting from 20 seats because they had turned the janajati communities into a captive ballot box,” he said. “Today, the communists are scared. We have learned from their tactics. In the future, when BJP forms the government, we will also start counting from 20. This will begin from the next Assembly elections.”
Dr. Saha emphasized that the BJP’s strength came not from fear or violence but from public trust and democratic legitimacy, backed by the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President JP Nadda. He noted that tribal communities had suffered for decades under politics driven by coercion and neglect.
Without naming TIPRA Motha, the Chief Minister also addressed the challenges faced by BJP leaders in TTAADC areas. He referred to instances where markets were allegedly forced to shut down, threats were issued, and abusive language was used during BJP programmes.
“This cannot continue,” he asserted. “I have said repeatedly that wherever attacks are made, the BJP only becomes stronger. No one can stop it.”
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In a clear signal of political intent, Dr. Saha indicated that the BJP was preparing to contest the TTAADC elections independently, expressing confidence that the party could secure all 28 seats in the council on its own strength.
Introducing a broader ideological framework, the Chief Minister coined the phrase “New Tripura,” drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “New India.” He explained that the concept of “Thansa,” representing unity among all communities—tribal, non-tribal, Manipuri, and minority—would form the foundation of this new political and social order.
“We believe in respect, development, and unity,” he said. “The BJP is not a party of intimidation. It is a party that works for the people. Real development of the janajatis will only happen under the BJP-led double-engine government.”
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Dr. Saha reiterated that the central government had taken multiple initiatives for tribal welfare across the country and urged voters to recognize the difference between symbolic politics and genuine development. He expressed confidence that public awareness was growing and that the BJP’s message was resonating strongly at the grassroots level.
“When the time comes for the TTAADC elections, you will see a much bigger movement and a stronger mandate,” he concluded.
The event witnessed the presence of several senior BJP leaders, including State President Rajib Bhattacharya, General Secretary Bipin Debbarma, Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, Tourism Minister Sushant Chowdhury, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das, Janajati Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, BJP Vice President and ADC member Bimal Chakma, Vice President Subal Bhowmik, MLA Shambhu Lal Chakma, and other prominent party functionaries.
