Agartala, November 10: As the crucial Village Council elections in Tripura approach, likely to be held within the next two months, Tipra Motha, the ruling BJP’s alliance partner, is stepping up pressure on the state government to address long-standing tribal issues.
On Sunday, following a high-level meeting involving top leaders, organizational heads, MLAs, and Executive Members, Tipra Motha announced its plan to submit a memorandum and give deputation to Block Development Officers (BDOs), SDMs and DMs across Tripura on November 14. The party also intends to present its demands to the Governor on the same day.
The demands center around the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, the swift conduct of Village Council elections, and the inclusion of the Bru population, who were recently resettled in Tripura after over two decades in refugee camps.
The announcement was made by Tipra Motha’s founder, Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, who was accompanied by party president and former MLA, Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl, and other senior leaders during a press briefing in Agartala.
Pradyot Debbarma also emphasized the urgent need for the implementation of the 125th Amendment of the Constitution, which seeks to empower tribal communities. “Both the (ruling) BJP and the (Opposition) Congress have shown their support for this critical amendment, yet it remains delayed for reasons unknown,” Debbarma stated.
He stressed that the amendment is essential for the welfare of the tribal population in Tripura and across the country and cannot keep waiting for its implementation.
Debbarma revealed that Tipra Motha’s affiliated wings, including student, youth, and women organizations, will actively participate in the deputation to press for these core demands.
The royal scion also provided insights into his recent meeting with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha. During the meeting, CM Saha reportedly assured Debbarma that the Village Council elections would be conducted in accordance with the directives of the High Court.
However, Debbarma noted that there has been no formal discussion or proposal from the BJP regarding a possible alliance for contesting the upcoming elections jointly with Tipra Motha.
“Once the state election commission announces the voting date, discussions on alliances might take place,” Debbarma added.
Another significant demand raised by Tipra Motha pertains to the inclusion of the Bru population in the electoral rolls of the Village Council elections. Despite the settlement of the Bru community in 13 new locations within Tripura, Debbarma pointed out that the state government is yet to take adequate steps to enroll these residents as voters.
The November 14 deputation is expected to witness active participation from all levels of the party’s organizational structure.
The memorandum will urge the state and the centre to take immediate action on the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord and ensure timely elections with the inclusion of all eligible voters, particularly the Bru population.
As the political landscape heats up in Tripura ahead of the Village Council elections, Tipra Motha’s latest move reflects its commitment to safeguarding tribal rights and ensuring that the state government fulfills its promises to the indigenous communities.
