Agartala, 13th April 2026: In a development pointing to internal discord within the Tipra Motha Party, Tripura Forest Minister and party MLA Animesh Debbarma has filed a defamation case against fellow party legislator Ranjit Debbarma.
The complaint was lodged in the Judicial Magistrate Court, West District, Agartala, following alleged defamatory remarks made by Ranjit Debbarma during the campaign for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council elections, which concluded recently.
Confirming the development, Advocate Shankar Lodh, counsel for the minister, stated that the case was formally filed on Monday. According to him, the remarks made during the campaign included personal attacks and allegations intended to damage the minister’s public image.
“The MLA made several defamatory statements, including referring to the minister in an inappropriate manner and alleging that he had accumulated multiple properties after assuming office,” the advocate said.
He clarified that Animesh Debbarma owns only a single land property purchased in 2006 on the outskirts of Agartala for approximately ₹1 lakh, and denied claims of ownership of flats or any property in Delhi. He further added that the minister does not intend to purchase any such property.
The advocate also sought to counter the narrative around the minister’s financial standing, stating that he comes from a well-established family background. His father is a retired teacher, while his daughter is an Assistant Professor. Properties owned by family members, he said, are in their individual names and not linked to the minister.
Highlighting his professional background, the counsel noted that Debbarma had previously worked with Indian Oil Corporation before entering politics.
The complaint also addresses more serious allegations made during the campaign, including claims of financial misconduct and personal impropriety. According to the advocate, these accusations were “baseless” and aimed at creating a false public perception during the election period.
Political observers see the legal move as reflective of underlying tensions within the Tipra Motha Party, particularly during a crucial electoral phase in the tribal council areas. The episode has raised questions about internal unity within the party as it seeks to consolidate its influence in Tripura’s regional politics.
The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on April 30.
