Tipra Motha Party (TMP) leaders will soon meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the delayed tripartite accord and rising infiltration from Bangladesh. With growing tribal discontent and internal tensions, this meeting is critical for Tripura’s political stability and the protection of indigenous rights.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) key ally in Tripura, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), is set to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi soon to discuss the much-delayed implementation of the tripartite accord signed on March 2, 2024. TMP supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma confirmed the development on Saturday, adding that the meeting will also address the growing concerns over illegal infiltration from Bangladesh.
Debbarma, the former royal scion of Tripura’s Manikya dynasty, described the meeting as “crucial,” citing growing frustration among TMP’s grassroots cadre due to the non-implementation of the key provisions in the tripartite agreement. “There is genuine disappointment and insecurity among tribal communities, particularly in rural and interior areas. We will discuss this with the Home Minister,” he told the press.
Discontent Brewing Within TMP
Tensions within the TMP surfaced publicly when party MLA Rajit Debbarma threatened to withdraw support from the BJP-led coalition over what he described as betrayal on the accord’s commitments. In response, Pradyot Debbarma acknowledged that the statement stemmed from deep-rooted frustration among the party’s tribal support base.
“The sentiments among the tribal people are serious and cannot be ignored. We had entered the coalition government with hopes pinned on the tripartite accord. A year has passed, and implementation remains elusive,” said the TMP chief.
He also revealed that he has had discussions with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, who assured that the issues raised by TMP would be taken up at appropriate platforms. “The CM gave due importance to our concerns and acknowledged the sentiments of tribal people,” he said.
The Accord and Political Realignment
The tripartite accord, signed between TMP, the Centre, and the Tripura government on March 2, 2024, was seen as a historic turning point in the state’s politics. Following the agreement, TMP joined the BJP-led coalition government on March 7, 2024. Two TMP MLAs, Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma, were inducted as ministers, further solidifying the alliance.
Originally founded with the demand for a separate state called “Greater Tipraland” under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution, the TMP later moderated its stance in favor of greater autonomy for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and socio-economic upliftment of indigenous communities. These goals were key parts of the accord.
Despite this softening of demands, the core issue of tribal development remains central. TMP and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) — another tribal-based party and BJP ally — both emphasize autonomy and empowerment of tribal regions.
Infiltration and Border Concerns
In addition to the accord, TMP leaders intend to raise serious concerns regarding illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, especially in light of recent geopolitical developments in the neighboring country.
“The Government must act decisively to stop infiltrators from entering our land,” said Pradyot Debbarma. “Those who came after March 1971 must be identified and pushed back immediately. Their presence jeopardizes the socio-cultural and economic fabric of our tribal communities.”
Debbarma also alleged that an anti-India sentiment is brewing in Bangladesh, backed by hostile forces such as Pakistan and the ISI, particularly after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August 2024. He urged the Indian government to keep a close watch on the situation.
TMP has already launched a state-wide anti-infiltration campaign and reiterated that it would not allow any illegal migrants to settle in the state. Minister Animesh Debbarma emphasized that illegal residents will not be tolerated and must be repatriated according to the law.
State Government’s Response
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha responded firmly to the infiltration concerns. He noted that security agencies are on high alert, especially after the political turmoil in Bangladesh.
“We’ve held high-level meetings with the BSF and other agencies to ensure that our borders are secure. Those attempting to enter India illegally will be identified and dealt with as per legal provisions,” said CM Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio in the state.
The Chief Minister also clarified that the use of fake documents like Aadhaar cards will not help infiltrators remain undetected. “We are not a safe zone for such illegal elements,” he said.
The Bigger Picture
Tripura shares an 856 km-long border with Bangladesh and is surrounded on three sides by the country. Despite fencing most of the border, several porous areas remain, posing challenges for law enforcement agencies. The state remains vulnerable to illegal migration, smuggling, and cross-border crimes.
Though TMP’s possible withdrawal from the coalition would not affect the numerical strength of the BJP-led government — which holds 33 out of 60 Assembly seats — it could lead to significant political and social implications, particularly in tribal-dominated regions.
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Tribal communities, who make up nearly one-third of Tripura’s four-million-strong population, play a crucial role in the state’s political landscape. Discontent among them could reshape political alliances and influence future elections.
As the TMP prepares to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the political temperature in Tripura is expected to rise. Whether the Centre will act on the demands for implementing the tripartite accord and address infiltration concerns remains to be seen. For now, the eyes of the tribal population — and Tripura at large — are fixed on New Delhi.
