Agartala, September 8, 2026: The political atmosphere around Tripura’s Village Committee elections has turned tense following an alleged attack on IPFT General Secretary Swapan Debbarma in Hezamara.
IPFT leaders have alleged that supporters of Tipra Motha were behind the incident. The allegation has come at a particularly sensitive moment, with the BJP, Tipra Motha and IPFT working together for the upcoming elections.
According to party sources, Debbarma was travelling towards Khowai when the incident occurred. His vehicle was allegedly stopped and attacked near the Hezamara Block Office.
Police personnel reportedly reached the spot after the situation became tense. Debbarma was subsequently taken for medical attention.
IPFT Leaders Raise Strong Objection
The incident has triggered anger within the IPFT.
Senior party leader and Tripura Cooperative Minister Shukla Charan Noatia condemned the alleged attack. He appealed to workers of all three alliance partners to remain calm during the election period.
Noatia also stressed that political violence should not be allowed to affect the electoral process.
The IPFT has raised concerns over the incident, but the allegations against Tipra Motha supporters have not been independently established.
Alliance Partners Face Ground-Level Tensions
The incident has also brought an uncomfortable issue to the surface.
BJP, Tipra Motha and IPFT leaders have reached an understanding for the Village Committee elections. Yet, political competition between their local workers has existed for years.
That makes coordination at the grassroots level more difficult.
A seat-sharing arrangement may settle the contest at the leadership level. It does not always remove local rivalries between workers.
The Hezamara incident has now put that challenge under the spotlight.
Election Campaign Enters Crucial Phase
Nomination filing for the Village Committee elections has already ended.
Candidates and party workers have now moved into the campaign phase. Meetings, door-to-door visits and local mobilisation are expected to increase in the coming days.
The elections are scheduled for September 28.
With polling approaching, alliance leaders will have to ensure that local disagreements do not turn into larger confrontations.
The investigation into the alleged attack will be closely watched. More importantly, the incident has raised questions about whether the three parties can maintain unity on the ground until polling day.
The BJP, Tipra Motha and IPFT alliance now faces a test that goes beyond seat sharing — keeping their grassroots workers together.
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