Agartala, July 23, 2025: The TIPRA Motha Party on Wednesday formally petitioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) to initiate a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Tripura, citing concerns over the integrity and accuracy of the voter lists amid rising illegal immigration.
In a detailed letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, TIPRA Motha leaders expressed deep apprehension over the “significant demographic shifts” in the state, which they argue have led to the dilution of tribal voting strength and the inclusion of illegal immigrants in the electoral rolls.
“Tripura shares an 856-kilometre-long international border with Bangladesh, much of which remains porous and inadequately fenced. The unchecked influx of undocumented immigrants has not only disrupted the socio-economic balance of the region but also threatens the democratic rights of the Indigenous tribal communities,” the letter stated.
The party urged the ECI to model the revision exercise after the door-to-door verification campaign conducted in Bihar, ensuring a transparent and foolproof process. They emphasized the urgency of the matter, referencing the 2012 identification of over 1.48 lakh illegal voters—an issue they claim was never rectified despite recommendations by then Joint Election Commissioner Vinod Saxena.
Pradyot Bikram Manikya, Founder of TIPRA Motha Party and Chairman of TTAADC, warned: “This is no longer just a Tripura-specific issue, it is a matter of national security, with serious implications for the democratic fabric of the country.”
The letter further recommended that verification teams be composed of personnel from outside the concerned districts to maintain impartiality and reduce political influence. The party also proposed awareness campaigns in tribal areas to ensure that eligible voters are not left out.
“The risk of political misuse of flawed rolls will only increase if the revision process is delayed. Our appeal stems from the deep anxiety felt by the people of Tripura, especially Indigenous communities, about losing their political voice and identity in their own homeland,” said General Secretary Brishaketu Debbarma.
The letter was signed by key TIPRA leaders, including Ministers Brishaketu Debbarma and Animesh Debbarma, as well as Chief Executive Member of TTAADC, Purna Chandra Jamatia.
Enclosures submitted with the letter include newspaper clippings from 2012 highlighting the identification of illegal voters and other supporting documents. The TIPRA Motha Party has reiterated its trust in the impartiality of the Election Commission and urged swift and decisive action to safeguard the democratic rights of genuine citizens in the state.
