Guwahati/Agartala, Oct 5 (NationPress) In a significant political turn, Tipra Motha Party (TMP) leader Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma highlighted the urgency for regional unity in the Northeast after he attended the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) on Sunday.

During the ceremony, TMP chief Debbarma celebrated the inauguration of Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) President Hagrama Mohilary, who took on his new role in Assam’s Kokrajhar district. As a supporter of the BJP, Debbarma had previously engaged in the electoral campaign for the BPF.

The recent elections for the 40-member tribal autonomous council, held on September 22, saw the BPF claiming 28 seats, while the BJP and its ally, the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), won five and seven seats, respectively.

With this victory, the BPF has successfully replaced the UPPL in the BTC.

Debbarma expressed on social media platforms like X and Facebook, stating: “I met Hagrama Mohilary at the swearing-in ceremony at Kokrajhar. I am pleased that we campaigned together despite opposition to our alliance. Regional unity and a unified voice are essential.”

A joint photograph of Debbarma and Mohilary was shared by TMP, captioned: “Two Tigers in One Frame — Bubagra Pradyot Bikram Manikya with Hagrama Mohilary (BPF chief and the newly elected Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council) after his oath-taking ceremony today at Kokrajhar.”

While Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has recently asserted that the BPF is a partner in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Mohilary clarified that the BPF would not join the coalition if the UPPL remained part of it.

“The BJP must exclude UPPL from the NDA. Only then will we consider joining the coalition,” said the BPF chief. In Tripura, a complex relationship persists between the ruling BJP and its ally TMP.

Recently, there have been reports of confrontations between party workers, resulting in injuries to over 15 BJP members.

As early elections for the politically crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) approach, both BJP and TMP are endeavoring to broaden their influence among tribal communities.

In recent events, numerous TMP members and supporters joined the BJP in the presence of senior leaders, including Chief Minister Manik Saha.

Since 2021, TMP has governed the 30-member TTAADC, which occupies two-thirds of Tripura’s 10,491 sq km area and is home to over 12.16 lakh residents, predominantly tribal.

Accusing the BJP government in Tripura of neglecting illegal immigration, TMP has been vocal about their immediate deportation.

Moreover, the party has organized a 12-hour shutdown in the state on October 13 to advocate for their demands.

Additionally, a TMP delegation led by Debbarma met with the Chief Election Commissioner, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Minister, and BJP President J.P. Nadda in Delhi during July and August, requesting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Tripura’s electoral rolls — akin to the process occurring in Bihar.

The delegation also discussed the prompt implementation of the tripartite accord signed in March last year, aiming to fulfill the constitutional rights of indigenous populations and enhance their socio-economic conditions.

On September 9, TMP held a demonstration in Delhi, advocating for three key demands: the implementation of the tripartite accord, the deportation of illegal migrants from Tripura, and the safeguarding of indigenous rights.

The party has also been championing the cause of “Greater Tipraland,” a separate state for tribals as per Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution, and the swift conduct of overdue village committee elections within TTAADC areas.

After extensive discussions and the signing of the tripartite agreement with the Centre and the Tripura government on March 2 last year, the TMP, which held 13 MLAs, joined the BJP-led coalition government on March 7, 2024, adding a new dynamic to Tripura's political landscape.

Two TMP MLAs — Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma — were included in the ministry under Chief Minister Manik Saha.