By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in SILACHARI | April 6, 2026
SILACHARI: In a significant political development just days before the crucial TTAADC General Elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered a major setback in the South Tripura district. Rati Mohan Tripura, the influential Vice-President of the BJP Silachari-Manubankul Mandal, officially resigned from the saffron party today to join the Tipra Motha Party (TMP).
The defection is seen as a major boost for Tipra Motha’s campaign in the southern tribal belt, where the party is looking to consolidate its hold over the indigenous vote bank.
A Royal Welcome
Rati Mohan Tripura was formally inducted into the party during a high-profile joining ceremony held earlier today. He was welcomed by Tipra Motha founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma (popularly known as Bubagra), who personally draped the party’s ceremonial scarf around him.
The joining ceremony was attended by hundreds of supporters, many of whom also crossed over from the BJP, signaling a shifting tide in local grassroots sentiment in the Silachari and Manubankul areas.
Why the Switch?
Speaking to the media after his induction, Rati Mohan Tripura cited his commitment to the “Greater Tipraland” cause and the preservation of indigenous rights as his primary reasons for leaving the BJP.
”For years, I served the BJP with the hope that it would bring real constitutional change for our people. However, the recent developments and the party’s stance on our core demands have made it clear that only Tipra Motha and the leadership of Pradyot Kishore can secure our future. I am joining the party not for power, but to be a soldier in the fight for our survival and land rights,” Rati Mohan stated.
Impact on TTAADC Polls
The timing of this defection—coming exactly one week before the April 12 polls—is particularly damaging for the BJP’s strategy in the Silachari-Manubankul constituency. Rati Mohan Tripura is known for his deep organizational roots and influence among the local Jamatia and Tripura communities.
Political Implications:
- Electoral Math: The loss of a Mandal Vice-President is expected to impact the BJP’s booth-level management in at least 15-20 polling stations.
- Momentum for Motha: This joining reinforces Pradyot Debbarma’s narrative of a “United Tiprasa Front” and counters the BJP’s recent claim of winning 25 seats in the council.
- Pressure on IPFT: With senior tribal leaders shifting to Tipra Motha, the IPFT (BJP’s ally) also faces increased pressure to retain its dwindling base in South Tripura.
“The Doors are Open”: Pradyot Debbarma
Welcoming the new members, Pradyot Kishore Debbarma asserted that the “wave of change” in the hills is now unstoppable.
”When leaders like Rati Mohan Tripura, who have seen the workings of the ruling party from the inside, decide to join our movement, it shows that the heart of the Tiprasa people is with the ‘Pineapple’. We are not fighting against any individual; we are fighting for a system that respects our identity. My doors are open to everyone who puts the interest of our community above their own position,” the TMP Supremo said.
Local BJP leadership has yet to issue an official statement regarding the defection, although sources suggest they are already working on a “damage control” plan to prevent further exodus of workers before the weekend.
