In a development that has raised eyebrows despite the BJP–Tipra-Motha Party (TM)(TMP) alliance, Motha has moved to form the village government in Bir Chandra Nagar Village Committee under Bokafa Block with the support of two elected CPI(M) members. As a result, the BJP, despite securing four seats, failed to form the village government.
The nine-member Bir Chandra Nagar Village Committee (VC) , three BJP members in the recently concluded elections secured victory, while the party had already secured one seat uncontested before polling. Tipra-Motha won three seats, and CPI (M) secured the remaining two.
With no party securing an outright majority, Tipra-Motha obtained the support of both CPI (M)-elected members, taking its strength to five. The five members jointly submitted a written application to the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Bokafa block, claiming a majority and seeking permission to form the village government.
The development is significant because the BJP and Tipra-Motha had publicly announced and campaigned as alliance partners ahead of the Village Committee elections. However, the political arrangement in Bir Chandra Nagar has sparked fresh questions over the coordination between the two allies at the grassroots level.
Of the 14 Village Committees under Bokafa Block, Tipra-Motha secured a clear majority in 13 in the recently concluded elections. Bir Chandra Nagar was the only Village Committee where no single party obtained a majority. By securing CPI (M)'s support, Tipra-Motha has now staked its claim to form the village government there as well.
The episode has triggered political discussions in the area over the evolving relationship between the BJP and TIPRA Motha. It is also being viewed as a political challenge for local BJP MLA Pramod Reang, as the ruling ally has chosen to rely on CPI (M)'s support instead of the BJP to form the village government.