AGARTALA: When the election results are out in Tripura, the BJP and the Left alliances are neck to neck. As the counting of votes is progressing, the lead tally is changing. Even as the battle between the BJP and the Left is intensifying, the new entrant in the political scene, Tipra otha Party, is becoming a star. The party of two years old, will play a key role in the formation of the next government in Tripura.

The Tipra Motha Party (TMP), led by erstwhile royal family member Pradyot Manikya Debarma, is presently leading in 12 seats. TMP is becoming the kingmaker by giving a setback to BJP in tribal areas. Meantime, the BJP won 30 seats and continued its surge, while the once-struggling Left won 17 seats. Tipra Motha clarified that the alliance with TMP is an advantage for the BJP and the Left Alliance, and that they are ready for an alliance with those who give written assurances.

Meanwhile, Tipra Motha Party workers have started celebrating the victory of the party leading in 13 seats as soon as the first results came out. The activists said that the party is making history and TMP will become the biggest force in the state when this year's election results are out.

Tipra Motha’s main demand is a separate state for the indigenous communities in the name of 'Greater Tipraland'. Tipra Motha’s strength lies in the support of the tribals who make up 32 percent of the state. There are 20 seats in the Tripura Legislative Assembly from tribal groups. The present lead indicates that Debarma, called 'bubagra' by the tribal groups, can deal a heavy blow to the BJP.

Debarma formed the Tipra Mota Party (TMP), also known as the Tipra Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance, after taking a break from active politics after leaving the Congress in 2019. It then showed its strength by defeating the ruling BJP in the 2021 Tripura Tribal Council elections. TMP is emerging as the strongest political force in tribal areas. Therefore, the alliance with Tipra Motha will be crucial for the Left and the BJP.