Agartala, Aug 7: The abrupt cancellation of the much-anticipated mega rally in Tripura by the BJP’s Janjati Morcha, planned for August 9 to mark World Indigenous Day, has sparked intense political debate.
The cancellation of rally has widely been perceived as a move that could strengthen TIPRA Motha – BJP’s ally in Tripura which has a strong presence among the indigenous people downsizing BJP’s Janjati Morcha. The ‘postponement’ of the rally has deepened resentment within BJP’s own tribal ranks.
Tribal Welfare Minister of Tripura Bikas Debbarma announced the cancellation during a joining event at 43 Miles in Krishnapur constituency on Wednesday, attributing the decision to “inclement weather.”
He described the rally as merely “postponed” but failed to provide any alternative date—raising eyebrows within the party and beyond.
Observers, however, are questioning the credibility of the weather excuse, especially since the postponement decision was taken in advance—well before any confirmed weather disruption could be anticipated with certainty.
According to party insiders, the cancellation order reportedly came directly from the BJP’s central leadership in Delhi. The official line suggests that the party should observe the day by paying homage to tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda instead of organizing a politically-charged rally under the Janjati Morcha banner.
The rally was initially designed as a powerful counter-mobilization to TIPRA Motha’s expanding influence in the hill areas.
It was also seen as a strategic move to rejuvenate the BJP’s tribal front ahead of the TTAADC elections.
Preparations had already reached an advanced stage, with local units mobilized across districts. Even some of Janjati supporters had to endure attacks by goons, allegedly TIPRA Motha supporters, at the Takarjala area during a meeting on the planned August 9 rally.
Ironically, the desperate efforts of the Morcha leaders and workers went in vein. The last-minute reversal has caused shockwaves among BJP workers on the ground.
Discontent is now surfacing across the Janjati Morcha’s grassroots base, with many questioning the central leadership’s priorities and commitment to tribal empowerment.
Allegations are emerging that the move was influenced by political calculations involving other allies—possibly aimed at avoiding friction with TIPRA Motha. According to the Morcha activists, it is a deliberate suicidal decision taken by the central leadership.
“This is not the first time we’ve been sidelined. The leadership let TIPRA Motha rise unchecked in the past, and now they’ve sabotaged our own efforts yet again,” said a senior Janjati Morcha member.
“This is political suicide. No one needs to kill a man who chooses to jump off a cliff,” said another disgruntled party worker, reflecting a growing sense of betrayal and despair among BJP tribal cadres.
Meanwhile, TIPRA Motha has seized the opportunity to consolidate its grassroots momentum. The party is going ahead with its statewide Homchang (torch) rallies on August 9 to mark Indigenous Day—without any sign of postponement.
With BJP stepping back and TIPRA Motha pushing forward, analysts say the symbolic messaging of the day is likely to have long-term political consequences which would proved to costly for the ruling BJP.
The cancellation could further tilt tribal support away from the BJP and toward its regional rival—significantly weakening the saffron party’s hold in the tribal-dominated regions of Tripura ahead of crucial local polls.
The episode is now being seen not just as a tactical misstep, but as a politically costly move that could accelerate the BJP’s declining influence among tribal voters which account around 30 percent of the total population.
With the frustrations among the supporters palpable, Political analysts are predicting a bleak future for the saffron party. (with inputs from Tripuranet)
