Political tensions in Tripura intensified ahead of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections as supporters of the Tipra Motha Party allegedly attacked the vehicles of ruling BJP MLA Manoj Kanti Deb and BJP candidate Ananta Debbarma, leaving 15 Tripura Police and Tripura State Rifles personnel injured.

Ananta Debbarma, previously an Executive Member of the TTAADC representing the Tipra Motha Party in 2021, recently switched allegiance to the BJP and received the party’s ticket to contest the upcoming April 12 elections. The alleged attack took place in West Lambuchara under the Kamalpur sub-division of Dhalai district as Debbarma and Deb were returning from door-to-door campaigning.

According to police sources, a group of Tipra Motha workers reportedly targeted the vehicles with stones and iron rods, damaging the MLA’s car and two other vehicles hired by Debbarma. BJP supporters who intervened during the clash also sustained minor injuries.

The police responded with tear gas and a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. In the ensuing scuffle, 15 law enforcement personnel were hurt and had to be hospitalized. Authorities have confirmed that additional forces have been deployed to maintain law and order.

This incident underscores the rising political rivalry in Tripura as the BJP faces challenges from former allies and regional parties in the tribal council elections.