Agartala, October 16, 2025: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday came out strongly in defence of Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha amid controversy over his recent remarks on the Reang community, which triggered sharp opposition from its ally, the Tipra Motha Party.

The BJP Janajati Morcha, the party’s tribal wing, alleged that some of the protest rallies organized against the Chief Minister’s remarks used “unparliamentary language” and personally targeted him.

“In some places, protestors called the Chief Minister a person from Bangladesh, which is completely unacceptable,” said BJP state general secretary Bipin Debbarma. “A Chief Minister is beyond caste, religion, or community. He is the Chief Minister for all—Bengalis and tribals alike,” he asserted, defending Dr. Saha’s comments as “factually correct.”

Lashing out at Tipra Motha’s leadership, Debbarma said several of the party’s MLAs and MDCs were leading the protests for political mileage. Responding to Tipra founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman’s warning about quitting the alliance, he added, “If Pradyot Debbarman has any issues, our doors are open for discussion. He can talk to the Chief Minister, state president, or central leadership. Leaving the alliance is his personal choice.”

BJP Youth Wing Vice President and MDC Sanjib Reang also clarified that the Chief Minister’s remarks were historical in nature and had been “misinterpreted for political gain” ahead of the TTAADC elections. “Those objecting should visit the Tribal Research and Cultural Institute’s website or refer to the Rajmala to understand the Reang community’s history,” he said.

Meanwhile, several social organisations have backed the Chief Minister’s statement, terming it “historically accurate.”

Supporting the BJP’s stance, MDC Bimal Chakma added, “It is the national party BJP which gave due honour to the Manikya dynasty,” taking a veiled swipe at Tipra Motha’s leadership.