Agartala, April 1:
Mounting a blistering attack on the ruling BJP, TIPRA Motha founder and royal scion of Tripura, Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on Wednesday declared that his party would not compromise on the demand for “Greater Tipraland,” while accusing the ruling senior partner of betraying indigenous communities and attempting to dismantle his organisation ahead of the TTAADC elections.
Launching his campaign at a massive rally in Gomati district, Debbarma rejected any possibility of opportunistic alliances, alleging that offers of power, money, and positions were being used to lure leaders away from the core cause.
“A few individuals may benefit from such arrangements, but what about the future of our people?” he asked, asserting that his politics is rooted in securing rights—not rewards.
In a direct challenge to the BJP, he reiterated that the demand for Greater Tipraland remains non-negotiable and warned that his party is preparing for a sustained mass movement over the next 18 months to force the implementation of long-pending commitments.
“This will not be a fight for posts or privileges. It will be a people’s movement for self-rule, dignity, and the future of our children,” he said, clearly positioning the upcoming ADC polls as a stepping stone towards a larger political confrontation in the 2028 Assembly elections.
Debbarma accused the state BJP leadership of deliberately undermining indigenous aspirations, alleging that instead of addressing critical issues like land rights, education, and economic empowerment, efforts are being made to fracture TIPRA Motha and divide tribal votes.
He went further to claim that key advisers influencing the Chief Minister are individuals who previously belonged to the CPI(M), alleging that they are steering the BJP’s strategy towards targeting TIPRA Motha rather than resolving long-standing tribal grievances.
Drawing a contrast with the Centre, he suggested that while leaders in New Delhi have shown some willingness to engage with indigenous demands, “forces within the state” are actively blocking progress on assurances made under the Tripura Accord.
The TIPRA Motha chief also delivered a sharp message to voters, urging them to reject what he described as decades of political exploitation through token inducements and instead vote for a future defined by education, infrastructure, and employment.
Warning of a decisive political shift, Debbarma said unity among indigenous communities would be the key to challenging the BJP’s dominance.
“For 70 years, our people have been divided and used. This time, we must stand together—or we will continue to be ignored,” he asserted.
With tensions escalating between the former allies, Debbarma’s remarks signal an intensifying political battle in Tripura’s tribal belt—one that is likely to extend well beyond the April 12 ADC elections and shape the state’s electoral trajectory heading into 2028.
