Agartala, April 10: Tipra Motha founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on Thursday launched a scathing attack on national political parties, including his alliance partner BJP, asserting that the rights secured by indigenous communities across the Northeast have been achieved primarily due to the unity and sustained pressure of regional parties.
Addressing a public gathering at Lefunga in West Tripura district, Pradyot urged the indigenous population to remain united so that Tipra Motha can emerge as a key political force in the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections in 2026 and the state Assembly elections in 2027.
“National parties speak for all, but Tipra Motha speaks first for the tribals,” Pradyot said, adding that when it comes to the rights and injustices faced by indigenous people, national parties often remain silent.
“Whatever rights the tribals have secured in the Northeast are due to the struggle and unity of regional parties,” he stated.
Without naming IPFT, another BJP ally in the state government, Pradyot criticized that, after gaining power it failed to honor the aspirations of the people who elected them. He emphasized that being part of the government should not mean compromising with injustice or corruption.
“We must raise our voices in and outside the Assembly for justice and fulfill the promises made,” he added.
On the much-anticipated tripartite agreement between Tipra Motha, the state, and the Centre—popularly known as the Tipra Accord—Pradyot acknowledged growing public concern over its progress. He clarified that the delay stems from deeper issues beyond financial assistance.
“If it was just about money, the matter could have been resolved quickly. But we are fighting for land rights, direct funding to TTAADC, and Roman script for the Kokborok language,” he said.
He warned that some elements are trying to break the thansa (unity) of the tribal community and Tipra Motha for personal political gains. “They want to lure our Ministers and MLAs, but we must stay united to be a decisive force in the 2026 and 2028 elections,” he said.
Reflecting on past struggles, he pointed out that it took 17 years for the TUJS, formed in 1967, to secure the creation of TTAADC, and that the Reang (Bru) people of Mizoram had to wait 21 years in refugee camps before achieving voting rights and rehabilitation in Tripura through united efforts.
“This is not a fight for money. This is a fight for the future of our next generation so it may take time but we sre determined and committed,” he reiterated.
Pradyot also lambasted national parties including the BJP, Congress, and CPIM for neglecting the cause of indigenous people. He reaffirmed Tipra Motha’s demand for ‘Greater Tipraland’ and said the party will continue to push for constitutional and political safeguards for tribals by becoming a critical player in future governments.
Accusing widespread corruption at every level in the country and state, Pradyot vowed that Tipra Motha would work to eradicate and minimize corruption and bureaucratic red tapism in Tripura.
“Regional parties are not just relevant—they are essential. Only through their strength can we negotiate a better deal for our people when national parties fall short of an absolute majority,” he concluded.
