BJP gets a boost in tribal dominated area in Tripura

Agartala, April 2, 2025: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues to solidify its foothold in Tripura’s Krishnapur Assembly constituency. The saffron party is bolstered by a wave of defections from rival political factions.

On Tuesday, a grand rally in the remote 43 Mile area of 18 Mura Hills saw 125 voters from 48 families abandon the CPIM and the TIPRA Motha Party to join the BJP, signaling a significant shift in the region’s political dynamics.

Notably, TIPRA Motha is an ally of ruling BJP in Tripura.

The event, organized by the Krishnapur Mandal of the BJP, underscored the party’s growing influence in one of Tripura’s most isolated tribal belts, Party sources claimed.

The defections come amid widespread discontent with the administrative corruption of the previous CPIM-led government and growing trust in the developmental agenda of the current BJP-led administration.

Tribal Welfare Minister and Krishnapur MLA Bikash Debbarma welcomed the new members, personally handing them the saffron party flag as a symbol of their allegiance.

A Vision for Tribal Development

Addressing the gathering, Minister Debbarma outlined the BJP’s commitment to uplifting tribal-dominated regions like Krishnapur. “Development is our primary goal,” he declared.

“The previous government left tribal communities stripped of their basic rights, but under the current administration, we are forging a new path of progress through accountable governance.”

He pointed to infrastructure projects, socio-economic initiatives, and efforts to empower women as evidence of the party’s people-centric approach, particularly in underserved areas like the 18 Mura Hills.

The minister’s remarks struck a chord with attendees, many of whom cited frustration with decades of neglect under past regimes as their reason for switching sides.

“We’ve seen roads being built, schools improving, and opportunities emerging for our children,” said one new BJP supporter, a resident of the 43 Mile area who requested anonymity.

He added, “The BJP is delivering where others only made promises.”

Political scenario : Past and Present

In Tripura, Leftists had undisputed clout among the indigenous people. Even before 1977 when late Nripen Chakraborty-led CPIM came into power for the first time in Tripura, the Red party had a strong grass root level organisation in hill areas. The Gana Mukti Parishad (GMP) – the tribal wing of the CPIM – continued to strengthen its position after 1977 victory.

The Leftists faced temporary challenges but its base organisation remained strong. However, emergence of IPFT with its “Tipraland” demand before 2018 Assembly Elections, dismantled, once invincible, leftists in the tribal dominated area. Notably, IPFT became an ally and two of its MLAs became State Ministers.

The political scenario – especially tribal politics changed once again as the 2023 was ensuing.

Tripura’s Royal scion Pradyut Kishore launched TIPRA Motha Party announcing “Greater Tipraland” as its core demand. The demand won the support of the tribals for the newly launched TIPRA Motha Party further weakening the Leftists. In fact, both CPIM and IPFT witnessed massive exodus while TIPRA Motha Party’s support base swelled.

After the Assembly Polls in 2023, BJP-IPFT walked past the Opposition -TIPRA Motha, CPIM, and Congress and secure majority in 60 members Assembly. TIPRA Motha emerged as the main Opposition while once mighty CPIM relegated to the third position – importantly, the Red party was completely routed in ST Reserved 20 seats.

Later, TIPRA Motha Party MLAs joined hands with ruling BJP and switched over to Treasury bench from Opposition.

With the Village Council elections on cards, BJP is eyeing to solidify it’s base in the tribal areas.

A Strategic Boost Ahead of Elections

Political analysts see Tuesday’s defections in favour of the BJP as a game-changer for the BJP, especially with the Autonomous District Council elections looming on the horizon.

“This is a major milestone,” said Ratan Chakraborty, a local political commentator. “The BJP is capitalizing on its development narrative to win over tribal voters, a demographic that has historically leaned toward CPIM or regional parties like TIPRA Motha Party. This could tilt the balance in their favor in the upcoming polls.”

The Krishnapur constituency, with its rugged terrain and predominantly tribal population, has long been a challenging battleground for political parties.

The BJP’s ability to penetrate such remote areas reflects its aggressive grassroots outreach and strategic focus on addressing local grievances.

Party leaders at the rally predicted that this event is just the beginning, forecasting a larger influx of supporters in the coming months.

“The people of Tripura are ready for change,” asserted Dhananjoy Das.

“The BJP’s umbrella will soon shelter many more, and the state’s political equation will take on a new shape.”

Voices from the Ground

In interviews following the event, BJP leaders elaborated on the government’s efforts to transform the lives of tribal communities.

They highlighted ongoing projects aimed at making women self-reliant through skill development programs and microfinance schemes, alongside broader socio-economic initiatives targeting the residents of 18 Mura Hills.

“This government is working tirelessly for the people,” one leader remarked. “From roads and healthcare to education and economic opportunities, development is reaching every corner of the state.”

For the defectors, the decision to join the BJP was both pragmatic and aspirational. “We want a future where our children don’t have to struggle like we did,” said a mother of two who recently left the CPI(M). “The BJP is showing us that future is possible.”

An Apparent Shift in Political Landscape

Today’s rally has sent ripples through local political arena, with rival parties yet to respond formally to the defections.

The CPIM, once a dominant force in the state, has seen its influence wane in recent years, while the TIPRA Motha Party, a newer entrant focused on tribal rights, faces increasing competition from the BJP’s development-driven narrative.

The joining programme was attended by Mandal president Dhananjoy Das and a host of BJP workers, who cheered as the crowd swelled with enthusiasm.