Agartala, February 5:
Cracks within Tripura’s ruling NDA alliance widened on Thursday as TIPRA Motha founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarma issued a sharp warning to the BJP, saying his party “cannot continue working inside an administration where we are constantly insulted.”
Amid escalating tensions ahead of the TTAADC political battle, Pradyot accused a section of BJP leaders of using “derogatory and personal language” against him, his family, and the indigenous community, cautioning that such attacks are only strengthening the CPI(M) instead of the BJP.
“Elections should be fought on issues, rights, and development — not on personal attacks and vindictiveness. The kind of language being used against me, my mother, and our party is unfortunate and unacceptable,” he said.
The TIPRA Motha chief revealed that he had repeatedly invited the BJP to join the TTAADC administration to understand grassroots problems, but claimed the saffron party declined, citing the lack of a “green signal” from Delhi.
He asserted that Motha never discriminated in fund allocation and extended support even to BJP MDCs.
Making it clear that his fight was not against the BJP’s central leadership, Pradyot said he shares cordial relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and several senior BJP leaders. However, without naming Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, he blamed “one or two state leaders” for attempting to derail the alliance through hostile rhetoric.
He urged the BJP’s central leadership to take note. “Delhi should also be aware of what language is being used against alliance partners. If you want to attack me politically, do it politically. Why drag my family or threaten jail?” he questioned.
Warning of serious consequences, Pradyot said TIPRA Motha may reconsider its position in the government if disrespect continues.
“If working together harms our people, we will rethink. We cannot stay in an administration where we are constantly insulted. I will choose my path with dignity,” he asserted.
In a stinging remark, Debbarma added that attempts to corner TIPRA Motha would only benefit the Left. “This language is not weakening us — it is strengthening the CPI(M). Thinking otherwise is a fool’s paradise.”
With both allies trading barbs publicly, the uneasy BJP–TIPRA Motha partnership now appears headed for a deeper political confrontation in Tripura.
