Escalating Clashes in ADC Poll Campaign: BJP Leaders Face Protests, Attacks Amid Rising Tensions with Tipra Motha
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, March 31, 2026
Tensions surrounding the ADC elections in Tripura have intensified sharply, with repeated incidents of clashes and confrontations between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Tipra Motha being reported from multiple locations.
Across several ADC areas, BJP candidates and leaders are reportedly struggling to carry out normal campaign activities. Despite moving with heavy police escort, ministers, MLAs, and senior party leaders have allegedly been unable to enter certain areas, highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation.
A major incident occurred on Sunday in Kathalia under Bishramganj police station limits, where State Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman faced intense protests in his own assembly constituency. The incident took place at Bhriguram Chowdhury Para in the 19 Amtali-Golaghati area during a BJP workers’ meeting held at a local school ground around 5 PM.
According to reports, the situation took a dramatic turn when a group of Tipra Motha supporters suddenly gathered at the venue and began protesting, raising slogans such as 'Go Back and BJP leave ADC.' The protest quickly escalated, creating a tense atmosphere and forcing police to intervene to bring the situation under control. Significantly, the protest occurred in the minister’s own constituency, making the incident politically sensitive. Local sources suggest that long-standing grievances over local issues contributed to the public outburst.
In another alarming development the same evening, internal conflict between coalition partners further aggravated tensions. BJP leaders reportedly faced obstruction from Tipra Motha supporters, who allegedly prevented them from holding a meeting in the same area. Despite the presence of a large police force, BJP leaders were reportedly attacked, vehicles vandalized, and several leaders were forced to flee and take shelter in nearby forests to protect themselves. Some reportedly walked through forest routes to reach safety in Bishramganj.
Political observers note that earlier incidents of attacks on opposition parties, including Communist Party of India (Marxist), did not see strong intervention from either the police or ruling leadership, which may have emboldened unruly elements. The current situation is now seen as slipping beyond control, with law enforcement struggling to contain repeated incidents.
Meanwhile, in Simna constituency, BJP candidate Indrajit Debbarma also alleged attacks during campaign activities. He stated that BJP workers were assaulted while returning after listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat programme in Gajpara area. A case has been registered at Sidhai Police Station against five individuals.
Debbarma further alleged that similar attacks occurred during door-to-door campaigning on Monday, where miscreants targeted his vehicle. Police arrived at the scene, after which the attackers fled. He claimed that supporters of Tipra Motha were behind the incidents, allegedly resorting to violence out of fear of losing political ground.
According to the complaint, five individuals, Arun Debbarma, Manoj Debbarma, Nikhil Debbarma, Chiranjeet Debbarma, and Kailash Debbarma have been named in the case. Two BJP workers were reportedly injured in the attack and were later discharged after receiving medical treatment.
As ADC election campaigning intensifies, these repeated incidents of violence, protests, and political confrontation are raising serious concerns about security, governance, and the overall electoral environment in Tripura.
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