Agartala, February 27: Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, founder of the Tipra Motha Party, emphasized the primacy of indigenous rights over ministerial positions within the ruling alliance.
Speaking to reporters at the inauguration of the Youth Tipra Federation’s (YTF) first plenary session in Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan, Debbarma on Thursday stated that without addressing the issues of indigenous communities, holding ministerial roles is futile.
“If the issues of the indigenous communities are not fulfilled by the government, then there is no use in having one or two ministers,” Debbarma remarked.
He underscored that the party’s alliance with the BJP centers on implementing the Tiprasa Accord, aiming to honor promises made to the community.
The Tiprasa Accord, a tripartite agreement signed in March 2024 between the Centre, the Tripura government, and the Tipra Motha Party, seeks to amicably resolve issues concerning the indigenous people of Tripura, including land and political rights, economic development, identity, culture, and language.
Debbarma highlighted that the party’s future in the alliance depends on the government’s commitment to the accord.
“If the government of India is serious, they should implement it; if not, then Tipra Motha has to find its next step,” he asserted.
The YTF’s two-day plenary session commenced with a rally in Agartala, focusing on key issues such as the demand for Greater Tipraland, the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, and the long-pending village council elections.
Debbarma emphasized the importance of youth involvement, noting that 70% of the party’s candidates in recent elections were young individuals.
Tipra Motha, holding 13 seats in the 60-member Tripura Legislative Assembly, joined the BJP-led government with one cabinet minister and a minister of state. However, Debbarma reiterated that without fulfilling the concerns of the indigenous population, mere participation in the government is insignificant.
“Land rights, direct funding to the district council, and constitutional rights are non-negotiable,” he affirmed.
As discussions with the Union Home Ministry in connection to the Tiprasa Accord has come to an end, now the state government’s opinions will influence Tipra Motha’s position within the alliance. The outcome of the YTF’s plenary session is poised to shape the future trajectory of both the youth organization and the party at large.
