BJP Expels Former MDC Padma Tripura, Social Media Exchange Sparks Political Debate in Tripura

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 28, 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Tripura following the expulsion of former Autonomous District Council (ADC) Member (MDC) Padma Tripura from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Soon after the disciplinary action, Padma Tripura posted an emotional response on social media, triggering a wave of reactions from party workers, former associates, and supporters.

In his post, Padma Tripura compared his political journey with the 14-year exile of Lord Ram, stating that he had completed 14 years in the BJP with devotion and sacrifice. He claimed that he and several early leaders had risked their lives to establish the BJP in Tripura when the party had virtually no political presence in the state.

He asserted that many of those who were instrumental in building the BJP during the 2003, 2008 and 2013 Assembly elections have now been sidelined, while many current leaders were not associated with the party during its difficult years. According to him, he had contested elections as a BJP candidate when the party had little organisational strength in Tripura.

Padma Tripura further alleged that the party had forgotten the contributions of its founding grassroots workers. He maintained that his commitment to the BJP had been based on ideology rather than personal gain.

The former MDC's remarks quickly drew strong reactions on social media. Several BJP supporters and leaders criticised his statements, accusing him of repeatedly making anti-party posts that violated party discipline.

Some commenters argued that the party had given him significant political opportunities, including the position of MDC, and that he should have respected organisational discipline instead of publicly criticising the leadership. Others remarked that political power is temporary and advised him to reflect on his actions.

A number of BJP workers also claimed that those who had worked for the party in its early years continued to remain loyal without publicly attacking the organisation despite not holding any positions.

The controversy also took a political turn when some social media users invited Padma Tripura to join the TIPRA Motha Party, arguing that it is the appropriate platform for advocating the interests of the Tiprasa indigenous community. Others suggested that "real BJP workers" were becoming fewer while opportunists had increased within the party.

Several comments referred to past organisational disputes, including allegations relating to booth-level leadership selections, and suggested that today's political circumstances were the result of past decisions.

The social media exchange reflects growing political tensions among sections of the BJP's grassroots workers in Tripura and highlights continuing debates over loyalty, discipline, and recognition of early party leaders.

The BJP has not issued any detailed public response to Padma Tripura's social media remarks beyond the disciplinary action against him. It also remains unclear whether the former MDC intends to join another political party.

The developments have generated considerable discussion across political circles in Tripura, with observers closely watching whether the controversy will have any wider impact on the state's political landscape.

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