Clash Between BJP and TIPRA Motha at Gram Sabha in Longtharai Valley Raises Fresh Concerns Ahead of ADC Village Council Polls
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, May 22, 2026
Longtharai Valley subdivision in Tripura witnessed fresh political unrest after supporters of the ruling alliance partners, BJP and TIPRA Motha, allegedly clashed violently during a Gram Sabha meeting at Doluchhara Village, intensifying concerns over the law and order situation ahead of the crucial Village Council elections in the TTAADC areas.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing political friction between the two alliance partners at the grassroots level, especially in tribal areas where political rivalry has reportedly intensified in recent months.
According to local sources, the Block administration had been conducting Gram Sabha meetings in Doluchhara Village for the last seven days, where members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and local residents were presenting various public grievances and development-related demands before officials.
Trouble reportedly erupted on the final day of the Gram Sabha on May 21 when a TIPRA Motha supporter raised questions regarding an allegedly incomplete road project stretching from Doluchhara Bazaar to Akshaymani Para. The supporter reportedly demanded clarification on how the remaining allocated funds for the road project had allegedly disappeared despite the work remaining unfinished.
The issue soon triggered a heated argument between supporters of BJP and TIPRA Motha present at the meeting, which later escalated into a physical clash.
Sources said several workers from both political parties sustained injuries during the violence. A BJP supporter reportedly suffered serious head injuries and required four to five stitches. On the other hand, at least four TIPRA Motha supporters were reportedly admitted to hospital in critical condition.
Following the incident, Manu-Chailengta MDC Hollywood Chakma visited the hospital to meet the injured TIPRA Motha supporters and interacted with their family members.
Speaking to reporters, Hollywood Chakma said the primary purpose of the Gram Sabha was to identify public grievances and ensure corrective measures. He alleged that certain groups were becoming nervous over the increasing popularity of TIPRA Motha among the people and were therefore attempting to create unrest in the area.
He further stated that violence has no place in a democratic system and appealed to all political parties to maintain peace and communal harmony while conducting political activities. He also demanded a fair investigation into the incident and strict punishment for those found responsible.
The clash has reportedly created panic and tension in the area. Police and administrative personnel have been deployed in and around Doluchhara Village to prevent any further deterioration of the situation.
Meanwhile, the incident has also intensified speculation over the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Village Council elections under the TTAADC. Political observers believe the recurring clashes between supporters of BJP and TIPRA Motha in various ADC areas may complicate the smooth conduct of the elections.
There is growing discussion in administrative circles over whether the Village Council elections, which are expected to be held during June-July as per the direction of the Supreme Court of India, may face further delays.
Sources indicate that the state administration may approach the Supreme Court seeking postponement of the elections, citing the ongoing Census operations and preparations related to SIR activities as administrative constraints. Concerns are also reportedly mounting within the administration regarding the prevailing political and law-and-order situation across several TTAADC regions.
The latest violence in Longtharai Valley is being viewed as another indication of the fragile political atmosphere in the tribal autonomous district areas ahead of the much-awaited Village Council polls.
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