Delhi’s Indulgence Emboldens ‘Tipra Motha’ to Rig ADC Polls? CM on Backfoot as Internal Sabotage Queers His Pitch

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, April 12, 2026

Capitalising on what is being described as the short-sighted policies and indulgence of the BJP’s central leadership, ‘Tipra Motha’ has allegedly managed to rig the ADC polls in several seats. The BJP candidate from Takarjala, Nirmal Debbarma, was reportedly forced to enter polling booths under CRPF escort to cast his vote. In many constituencies, BJP candidates could not deploy polling agents during the day.

The situation evokes comparisons to unchecked empowerment leading to disorder, as reflected in the plight of Nirmal Debbarma. His residence was allegedly attacked by ‘Tipra Motha’ supporters last Friday, and even police personnel assigned for his protection reportedly advised him to leave his home. Following this, he took shelter at the Bishramganj BJP office along with his family and polling agents. He has demanded a repoll in the entire Takarjala constituency after casting his vote under CRPF escort, stating that BJP could not place polling agents in any of the 27 polling booths due to threats and intimidation.

Earlier, on Friday night, his residence was allegedly looted and vandalised after he was forced to leave. In a last-minute decision, the State Election Commission shifted the counting centre for the Takarjala ADC seat from Jampuijala to the Sepahijala District Magistrate’s office in Bishramganj. However, concerns remain that the electoral outcome in the constituency may already have been adversely affected.

In another incident, the vehicle of the BJP candidate from Mandai-Pulinpur constituency was reportedly attacked around 1:30 PM. He too was unable to deploy polling agents in most booths, except in a few pockets dominated by non-tribal voters.

Questions have also been raised regarding the role of security forces. It has been alleged that state police, along with CRPF personnel operating under their direction, remained largely passive and did not able to provide adequate protection to ruling party candidates. Critics have attributed this to what they describe as an erosion of professionalism over the years.

Further controversy surrounds allegations that surrendered militants, who receive financial assistance from central government rehabilitation schemes, played a role in influencing the polling process in favour of ‘Tipra Motha’ in several constituencies. These claims remain politically sensitive and contested.

Reports of disruptions and alleged intimidation have emerged from multiple constituencies, including Jampuijala, Takarjala, Golaghati, Ramchandraghat, Mohanpur, Jirania, Mandai, Khowai, Ambassa, Gandatwisa and Chhailengta. In several of these areas, BJP leaders, including MLAs, reportedly had to leave their areas due to organised attacks.

Amid these developments, the political spotlight has also turned towards internal dynamics within the BJP. Chief Minister Manik Saha is said to have led much of the campaign effort single-handedly, with limited visible support from other senior leaders and ministers. Remarks made by Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, including criticism of the Chief Minister, reportedly went largely unchallenged by party colleagues.

Pradyot also reportedly suggested that leadership changes could follow the ADC elections and made comparisons with former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb. However, several BJP leaders and ministers refrained from publicly responding to these statements, leading to speculation about internal divisions and competing interests within the party.

Observers note that some leaders may be anticipating political shifts within the party structure depending on the ADC election outcome. At the same time, concerns have been raised that such internal dynamics could have broader implications for the party’s strategy ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.

The developments have prompted calls for a deeper assessment by the BJP’s central leadership regarding the evolving socio-political realities of Tripura, including its demographic and electoral dynamics. With allegations of rigging, violence and internal discord dominating the narrative, the ADC elections have become a significant political flashpoint in the state.

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