By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in AGARTALA | April 4, 2026
BARKATHAL: With the TTAADC (Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council) elections just over a week away, the political heat in the 14–Bodhjungnagar–Wakkinnagar constituency reached a boiling point today. A massive, colorful rally was organized in the Barkathal Market area in support of Tipra Motha Party (TMP) candidate Runil Debbarma, showcasing the party’s significant grassroots mobilization in the tribal heartland.
The rally, dominated by the party’s signature flags and slogans, saw thousands of “Tiprasa” warriors and local supporters marching through the main thoroughfares of Barkathal, calling for a decisive mandate for the ‘Pineapple’ symbol.
Campaign Hits Peak in Barkathal
The procession started from the outskirts of Barkathal and wound its way through the busy market area, drawing residents from neighboring hamlets. The atmosphere was electric, with traditional music and chants of “Bini Siman, Chini Siman” (Our Land, Our Future) echoing throughout the march.
Key Highlights of the Rally:
- Candidate Presence: Runil Debbarma led the march from the front, engaging with local shopkeepers and elders.
- Massive Turnout: Despite the rising April heat, the turnout exceeded local expectations, signaling a consolidated base for Tipra Motha in the Wakkinnagar-Barkathal stretch.
- Symbol Focus: Volunteers distributed leaflets and demonstrated the ‘Pineapple’ symbol on dummy EVMs to educate voters ahead of the April 12 polls.
“100% Confident of Victory”: Runil Debbarma
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the rally, a confident Runil Debbarma stated that his door-to-door campaign is nearly complete and the response from the people has been overwhelming.
”The love and support I am seeing today in Barkathal is a clear indication of the result on April 12. I am 100% confident of my victory in this seat. But more importantly, I am certain that Tipra Motha will once again cross the magic figure and return to power in Khumulwng with at least 25 seats. Our fight is for the constitutional rights and survival of our people, and no amount of outside pressure can break this unity,” Debbarma asserted.
A Battle for the ADC
The 14–Bodhjungnagar–Wakkinnagar seat is expected to witness a three-cornered fight between the Tipra Motha, the BJP, and the Left Front. However, today’s rally has placed Runil Debbarma as the frontrunner in terms of visible public support.
Political analysts suggest that the Barkathal-Bodhjungnagar belt remains a crucial pivot for any party aiming to control the District Council. Runil Debbarma’s claim of winning 25 out of 28 seats mirrors the party’s 2021 performance, where they swept the council following the “Greater Tipraland” wave.
Final Leg of Campaigning
With the silence period set to begin in a few days, Tipra Motha has scheduled several “Mega Star Rallies” featuring party founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma in the West Tripura and Khowai districts. Today’s Barkathal rally serves as the final major local outreach for Runil Debbarma before he shifts focus to booth-level management.
