TIPRA Motha Seeks Bihar-Style SIR Implementation in Tripura

quick Summary

• TIPRA Motha, a key ally of the ruling BJP in Tripura, met the Election Commission of India on July 23, 2025.
• The delegation led by TIPRA founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya demanded a Bihar-style Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tripura to identify and remove illegal voters.
• Manikya pointed out that unchecked infiltration could marginalise indigenous communities further and harm the entire northeastern region.
• Top TIPRA leaders-including state Ministers Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma, along with MLA ranjit Debbarma-joined the meeting.
• The BJP did not publicly respond to TIPRA’s push for this measure despite being alliance partners.
• Indigenous people make up 30-33% of Tripura’s population, with meaningful tribal representation: 20 of the State’s 60 Assembly seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), while STs have a 95% reservation in the tribal autonomous council.
• TIPRA Motha is known for advocating “Greater Tipraland,” aiming to create a designated territory for tribal communities that would include areas from Assam, Mizoram, and parts of Bangladesh-a contentious issue strongly opposed by CPI(M) and Congress.

Indian Opinion Analysis

TIPRA Motha’s demand for an SIR exercise mirrors rising concerns about demographic change frequently enough intertwined with questions over citizenship verification. While their request aligns with worries over protecting indigenous rights-a vital matter given their reduced share in Tripura’s population-the move might also increase political sensitivities around migration issues in election-preparatory stages.

the silence from BJP suggests calculated restraint as alliance management becomes crucial ahead of potential elections. Whether or not this gains traction nationally or locally could effect federal relations between New Delhi and northeastern states like Tripura.

TIPRA Motha faces scrutiny from critics like CPI(M) and Congress over its progress performance for tribal regions despite holding power within its regional domain. Balancing governance delivery alongside advocacy-based demands will determine whether its grassroots support can remain robust among indigenous communities long-term.

Read more: Bihar begins special revision…