Agartala: Forest minister Animesh Debbarma faced protests by women in Bachaibari, Asharambari in Khowai district on Thursday.The demonstrators waved black flags and chanted “Go Back”, protesting Debbarma’s failure to support TIPRA Motha candidates in the recent Village Committee elections held under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (ADC).According to police, the protest prevented Debbarma from attending an event in Khowai addressed by CM Manik Saha, forcing him to join virtually.The demonstration highlighted tensions within the BJP–TIPRA Motha coalition and renewed questions about Debbarma’s ties with sections of the party. Supporters accused him of limited involvement in the election campaign and viewed it as distancing himself from TIPRA Motha at a crucial juncture.Reports said Debbarma has clashed with several party leaders and has not always backed decisions of party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma.Tensions have also grown between Debbarma and Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma. Animesh filed a defamation suit after Ranjit allegedly made objectionable remarks about a minister at a public meeting without naming him.It remains unclear whether the protesters had direct links to TIPRA Motha or whether any party faction sanctioned the demonstration. Neither Debbarma nor Motha leaders have issued a comprehensive statement on the protest.The incident followed the ADC Village Committee elections, in which TIPRA Motha made gains in tribal areas, underscoring the coalition’s need for unity and coordination.
