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Himanta Projects BJP’s Dominance in Assam, Plays Quiet Mediator in Tripura Alliance Tensions

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Agartala/ Udaipur
  • Jan 15, 2026
  • 1455

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday exuded confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would secure an emphatic mandate if Assembly elections were held in Assam today, attributing the optimism to what he described as robust governance, large-scale development, and near-total fulfilment of electoral promises.

Speaking to the media after offering prayers at the revered Mata Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, located in Tripura’s Gomati district, Sarma said the BJP-led government in Assam has delivered substantially on its commitments over the past five years, earning widespread public trust. Emphasising the spiritual significance of the visit, he maintained that it was primarily religious in nature and not politically driven.

“I seek the blessings of Mata Tripura Sundari before undertaking any major responsibility. Spiritual strength gives clarity and resolve,” Sarma said, while confirming that he would also meet Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha during his brief stay.

Reiterating that his political focus remains firmly on Assam, Sarma said preparations are already underway as elections draw closer. “Assam elections are approaching, and that remains my sole priority. I am not involved in Tripura’s political affairs at this moment,” he asserted.

Highlighting the achievements of his government, Sarma said development and the protection of Assam’s cultural and demographic identity have remained central pillars of governance. He claimed that the administration has fulfilled nearly all its promises, including the provision of over 1.6 lakh government jobs without corruption and the recovery of approximately two lakh bighas of land from illegal encroachment. He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending unprecedented support to Assam through multiple infrastructure and welfare initiatives.

On electoral strategy, Sarma said the BJP would adopt a pragmatic approach, refraining from contesting seats where it lacks grassroots strength and allowing alliance partners to step in. “There may be constituencies with no contest if public sentiment is overwhelmingly clear, while others may witness healthy democratic competition,” he said.

Commenting on voting patterns, Sarma noted that minority votes are likely to consolidate behind the Congress. “I govern for all sections without discrimination. Ultimately, the electorate will judge us on development, governance, and performance,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sarma’s arrival in Tripura has assumed political significance amid visible strain between the ruling BJP and its ally, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), ahead of the crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections. Sarma, who also serves as chairman of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), was received at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport by BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee.

The five-year tenure of the current TTAADC, governed by Tipra Motha, is set to expire on April 18, 2026, making the forthcoming elections a critical test of the BJP–TMP alliance in Tripura’s tribal-dominated regions.

Tensions have recently surfaced over longstanding demands, including the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language. A day before Sarma’s visit, a Tipra Motha delegation led by ADC Executive Member Rabindra Debbarma met Chief Minister Manik Saha and submitted a memorandum pressing the issue, later claiming that the Chief Minister appeared to have softened his stance.

Party insiders indicated that Sarma, widely regarded as the BJP’s principal strategist and troubleshooter in the Northeast, also paid a quiet visit to the Mata Tripura Sundari temple before returning to his hotel. His low-profile and largely confidential trip is believed to be aimed at easing tensions and facilitating reconciliation between BJP leaders and Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma ahead of the ADC polls.

Sources further revealed that Sarma is expected to hold closed-door discussions with Chief Minister Manik Saha to iron out differences and restore coordination within the alliance.

“There has been some unease with Tipra Motha on certain issues, but Sarma ji will resolve it. We remain confident of contesting the ADC elections together,” a senior BJP leader said, expressing optimism about the alliance’s future.