Tipra Motha faces internal crisis as leaders protest candidate change in Raima Valley. With 22,000 voters at stake, the party risks major electoral damage amid rising dissent against Pradyot Debbarman’s alleged decision.
Internal tensions have surfaced within the Tipra Motha Party ahead of the upcoming TTAADC elections, as party workers and youth leaders staged a protest against the alleged replacement of a sitting MDC candidate. The development signals a growing rift within the regional political outfit led by Pradyot Kishore Debbarman.
On Tuesday, a section of party workers and Indigenous Tiprasa leaders gathered outside the residence of Debbarman in Agartala, which also functions as the party’s de facto headquarters. The protest was sparked by reports that the sitting MDC of the 24 Raima Valley constituency, Rajesh Tripura, may be replaced in the upcoming elections.
Although the party has not officially announced its list of candidates, internal sources suggest that former MLA Dhananjoy Tripura is likely to be fielded instead. Dhananjoy Tripura had previously represented the Raima Valley Assembly constituency between 2018 and 2023 under the banner of the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) before joining Tipra Motha.
The possibility of replacing Rajesh Tripura has triggered strong reactions from the party’s youth wing, particularly members of the Youth Tipra Federation (YTF). Several YTF leaders traveled to Agartala and staged a dharna, demanding that the party leadership reconsider its decision.
According to protesting leaders, the move could significantly damage the party’s grassroots support. They claim that as many as 22,000 voters in the constituency may either switch allegiance to rival parties or abstain from voting altogether if the incumbent MDC is denied renomination.
Speaking to reporters, YTF Block Secretary Nabin Kumar Tripura expressed concern over the growing discontent among voters. “On a personal level, I stand with Maharaja (Pradyot Kishore Debbarman), but the people of our constituency strongly support MDC Rajesh Tripura. If he is replaced, it will have serious electoral consequences. Around 22,000 voters may turn against us,” he said.
Adding to the unfolding political drama, Dhananjoy Tripura recently took to social media to highlight his past contributions and sacrifices for the party, signaling his readiness to contest. His posts have further fueled speculation about the final candidate selection.
Despite repeated attempts, the protesting leaders were unable to meet Debbarman to convey their concerns directly. The lack of communication has only intensified frustration among party workers, raising questions about internal coordination and decision-making processes.
Political observers believe that such internal discord, if not addressed swiftly, could weaken Tipra Motha’s position in the TTAADC elections. The party, which has emerged as a significant force in Tripura’s indigenous politics, now faces the challenge of maintaining unity while balancing competing interests within its ranks.
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As the election approaches, all eyes remain on the party leadership’s next move—whether it will stand by its reported decision or bow to mounting pressure from within.
