Senior BJP MLA Rampada Jamatia has been elected as the 12th Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly. Read about the unanimous election and the support from TMP and IPFT.
Agartala, Mar 17: Senior BJP legislator Rampada Jamatia was elected unopposed as the 12th Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
The position had been vacant since December 2025 following the passing of the former Speaker.
Unanimous Election and Alliance Support
The announcement was made by Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Paul, who informed the House that Jamatia’s candidature received broad support from the ruling alliance.
Chief Minister Manik Saha, alongside various ministers, formally proposed Jamatia for the post.
The election showcased a unified front within the treasury bench and the opposition with proposals also coming from BJ’s allies:
Animesh Debbarma: Minister and TIPRA Motha Party (TMP) MLA.
Sukla Charan Noatia: Minister and IPFT MLA.
With no opposing nominations filed, Jamatia was declared elected by consensus, signaling stability within the coalition government.
Filling the Vacancy: Legacy of Biswa Bandhu Sen
The Speaker’s chair became vacant after the untimely demise of Biswa Bandhu Sen on December 26, 2025.
For the past three months, the Assembly’s proceedings were overseen by the Deputy Speaker. Jamatia’s appointment officially restores the full leadership structure of the House.
Parliamentary Tradition and Escort to the Chair
Following the formal declaration, Rampada Jamatia was escorted to the Speaker’s Chair in accordance with long-standing parliamentary traditions.
The escort party included:
- Chief Minister Manik Saha
- Minister Sukla Charan Noatia
- TMP leader Ranjit Debbarma
- Congress MLA Birjit Sinha
- Chief Whip Kalyani Roy
Future Outlook for the Assembly
Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Paul welcomed the new Speaker, expressing confidence that Jamatia’s experience would ensure the smooth conduct of legislative business.
Jamatia’s elevation is expected to be pivotal as the House navigates critical bills and discussions in the ongoing session.
Members of the House including the Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition congratulated Jamatia.
After assuming the charge, Rampada Jamatia thanked all for supporting his candidature.
He sought cooperation and advice from the MLAs to run the House smoothly upholding the spirit of democracy and neutrality of the Chair.
About Rampada Jamatia
Veteran tribal leader Rampada Jamatia becomes only the second tribal figure to assume the office of Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly since the state attained full statehood in 1972.
Before him, the position was held by Sudhanwa Debbarma from 1978 to 1983.
Previously he held key portfolios in the state government, serving as Minister for Tribal Welfare as well as Industry and Commerce between 2022 and 2023, which included Handloom, Handicrafts and Sericulture.
Jamatia, aged 69, represents the Bagma Assembly constituency in Gomati district and has been elected twice, in 2018 and again in 2023.
He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2017 after concluding his service with the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). Prior to that, he was associated with the Tripura Jute Mill.