Tripura Congress Facing Irrelevance Among Tribals, Says Biplab Kumar Deb at BJP Meet

In a significant political development, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has launched a scathing attack on the Tripura Congress, asserting that the party has lost all relevance among the tribal communities of the state. Speaking at a BJP organizational meet in Tripura, Deb declared that the Congress no longer holds the confidence of the tribal population and has failed to address their pressing issues.

This strong statement comes at a time when political narratives are shifting rapidly in the northeastern region, especially in Tripura where tribal votes play a critical role in determining electoral outcomes.

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Biplab Deb Asserts Congress’ Disconnect with Tribal Reality

During his address, Biplab Kumar Deb emphasized that the Tripura Congress has historically failed to establish a sincere connection with the tribal population. According to Deb, the party’s outdated approach and lack of grassroots engagement have led to its declining support in areas where tribal sentiments and issues should be central to policy planning.

“The Congress only appears during election time. For the rest of the years, they are absent from the hills and the villages. People have seen through their pretentious concern,” Deb said at the event.

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BJP’s Rising Influence Among Tribals

Contrasting the Congress’ fading presence, Deb highlighted the BJP’s increasing acceptance among Tripura’s tribal communities. He noted that under BJP rule, numerous development schemes and welfare initiatives have been rolled out specifically for the upliftment of tribals.

“The BJP government has consistently worked for tribal development—from roads to healthcare to education. This is why the people trust us now,” he asserted, pointing out the transformation under the BJP’s governance compared to earlier regimes.

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Congress No Longer a Credible Opposition?

The statement by Deb reflects a broader sentiment within the BJP—that the Tripura Congress has ceased to be a credible opposition force in the state. Political observers note that Congress has been struggling to retain its identity in the face of aggressive BJP expansion and the rising prominence of regional tribal parties like the Tipra Motha.

While the Congress remains active in mainland Tripura politics, it has been largely sidelined in tribal-dominated Autonomous District Council (ADC) areas. This has raised concerns about the party’s long-term survival unless it reinvents its approach.

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Tribal Sentiment Shifting Away from Congress

The tribal vote bank, once seen as a stronghold for Congress and Left-aligned parties, appears to be moving in a different direction. Experts believe the shift is partly driven by a sense of political abandonment. Years of promises made and broken have turned many tribal voters away from the Tripura Congress, pushing them toward parties that they believe are more responsive and grounded.

According to ground reports, issues like land rights, unemployment, cultural preservation, and better representation are top priorities for tribal communities. The BJP, through its outreach and the establishment of tribal welfare policies, seems to be tapping into this sentiment effectively.

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A Wake-Up Call for Congress?

Deb’s statement should serve as a wake-up call for Congress leadership in Tripura. With Assembly elections on the horizon, the party will need a comprehensive overhaul of its strategies if it wishes to regain relevance, especially in the tribal belts. Mere rhetoric may no longer suffice; people are demanding visible commitment and actionable change.

Unless the Tripura Congress actively engages with tribal leaders, addresses their demands, and rebuilds grassroots networks, it may continue to slide into political irrelevance.

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BJP Organizational Strength Growing in Northeast

This organizational meeting also highlighted BJP’s intention to strengthen its presence across the northeastern states. With leaders like Biplab Kumar Deb leading the charge, the party aims to consolidate its gains by reinforcing connections with various demographic groups, including tribals, youth, and women.

The BJP’s message is clear: they are here for long-term governance, not seasonal campaigning.

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Final Thoughts: A Political Crossroad for Congress in Tripura

As Tripura’s political landscape evolves, the future of Tripura Congress hangs in the balance. Once a dominant force, the party now finds itself in the shadows of newer, more agile political contenders. Deb’s assertion is not just a political jab—it’s a reflection of ground realities that Congress can no longer afford to ignore.

If the Congress hopes to reclaim lost ground, especially among tribal populations, it must re-strategize, re-engage, and rejuvenate its organizational presence across the state.