Former Tipra Motha Leader Gurupada Debbarma Joins BJP, Accuses 'Maharaj' of Failing to Fulfil Promises

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 10, 2026

In a significant political development, former hard-core Tipra Motha leader Gurupada Debbarma on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with his supporters, sharply criticizing the leadership of Tipra Motha and its chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, popularly referred to by supporters as “Maharaj”.

Speaking after formally joining the BJP, Gurupada Debbarma alleged that the promises made by the Tipra Motha leadership over the last five years were not fulfilled, leading to widespread disappointment among tribal communities in the state.

Debbarma stated that he and many others had worked as warriors for the party during its formative years and political struggles. However, he claimed that despite their efforts and sacrifices, none of the commitments made by the leadership were honoured.

“We worked as warriors for five years, but not a single promise made by ‘Maharaj’ has been fulfilled. All the movements are being carried out only for personal and family interests,” Debbarma said while addressing supporters.

He further alleged that the slogan of 'Thansa', ( Unity) which has been widely used in Tipra Motha’s political campaigns, was raised for hidden motives. According to him, many members of Tripura’s indigenous communities have now begun to understand the real intentions behind the slogan.

“People of the tribal communities have realised what kind of agenda lies behind the ‘Thansa’ slogan. They now understand the reality,” Debbarma added.

Expressing disillusionment with his former party, he claimed that the growing dissatisfaction among tribal people would discourage many from supporting Tipra Motha in the future.

Debbarma’s switch to the BJP, along with a group of supporters, is expected to have political implications in tribal areas of Tripura, where Tipra Motha has maintained a significant support base in recent years.

BJP leaders welcomed Gurupada Debbarma and his followers into the party, saying that their inclusion would further strengthen the party’s outreach among indigenous communities.

The development comes at a time when political equations in Tripura’s tribal belts continue to evolve, with parties seeking to consolidate support among indigenous voters.

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