Minister Animesh Debbarma Faces ‘Go Back’ Slogans in Khowai Bachaibari, Protests Expose Growing Rift Within Tipra Motha

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 15, 2026

Tripura Minister Animesh Debbarma faced protests and ‘Go Back’ slogans from a group of women at Bachaibari under the Asharambari Assembly constituency, bringing the reported differences within the ruling BJP–Tipra Motha alliance into the political spotlight.

The protesters reportedly waved black flags at the minister and raised slogans against him, expressing their dissatisfaction over his alleged failure to participate in campaigning for Tipra Motha candidates during the recently concluded Village Committee elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).

The protest reportedly prevented Animesh Debbarma from travelling to Khowai to attend a programme addressed by Chief Minister Manik Saha. The minister subsequently participated in the programme virtually.

The incident has triggered fresh political discussion in Tripura, particularly over the relationship between the minister and sections of his own party, Tipra Motha, which is a constituent of the ruling alliance with the BJP.

According to the allegations raised by the protesters, the minister's absence from Tipra Motha's election campaign had caused resentment among party supporters. His failure to actively campaign for the party's candidates was reportedly viewed by some supporters as a sign of distance from the organisation during an important electoral contest.

Animesh Debbarma has reportedly maintained differences with sections of the party leadership and has not always agreed with decisions taken by Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma. These differences are believed to have contributed to growing political distance between the minister and sections of the party organisation.

Another source of friction reportedly involves Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma. Animesh Debbarma has filed a defamation case against the MLA following an alleged remark made at a public meeting, where Ranjit Debbarma reportedly referred to a minister as “Takla Minister” without explicitly naming him. The reported remark became another point of contention between the two leaders.

Against this background, the black-flag demonstration at Bachaibari has fuelled speculation that dissatisfaction over the minister's role during the Village Committee elections may be linked to wider differences within Tipra Motha. However, the precise organisational role of the protesters and whether the demonstration was officially backed by any party faction have not been independently established.

The incident comes at a politically significant time following the recently concluded TTAADC Village Committee elections, in which Tipra Motha secured a dominant position. The electoral outcome has reinforced the party's influence in tribal areas, making internal cohesion and coordination among its leaders important factors for the ruling alliance.

The protest also raises questions about the political relationship between Animesh Debbarma and sections of the Tipra Motha leadership, particularly over campaign responsibilities, party discipline and the handling of disagreements among senior leaders.

Neither an official response from the minister nor a detailed statement from the Tipra Motha leadership regarding the Bachaibari protest was available in the information provided for this report.

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