Tribal Political Parties in Tripura: Agents of Democratic Consolidation or Fragmentation?

Abstract

This article examines whether tribal political parties in Tripura, which saw their ascendancy in the aftermath of tribal insurgency, function as agents of democratic consolidation or democratic instability, ethnic divisions, and polarisation. It argues that these parties play a dual role in shaping the state's democratic processes—both deepening and undermining democracy. By providing the marginalised tribal communities a platform to articulate their political interests, tribal-centric parties have functioned to promote democratic inclusion and participation. On the other hand, they have also contributed to democratic fragmentation by accentuating ethnic cleavages and political polarisation. In the face of these two contrasting roles, the article contends that through accommodative responses by the state and the dominant societal groups, tribal political parties in Tripura can be transformed into positive agents of democratisation.