Agartala, July 4:
Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma has issued a strong warning to both the state and central governments, stating that there is “no use being in power if promises made to the people are not fulfilled.”
Expressing deep dissatisfaction over the delay in implementing the Tiprasa Accord, Pradyot said his party may reconsider its place in the government if commitments made to the indigenous people of Tripura continue to be ignored.
He also hinted at a likely meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the next two weeks to raise the issue.
In an exclusive interview with North East Live, Pradyot made it clear that he will not compromise at this stage of life merely for power. “If we cannot deliver what was promised in the agreement signed by the Government of India and the state government, then we must look for other options. If the word is not honoured, we have no right to sit in the government,” he asserted.
When questioned about the benefits of being part of the ruling BJP-led coalition, Pradyot responded candidly, saying there had been no real advantage. “What is the use if only a few people become Ministers and the rest of our villagers remain poor?” he asked, reiterating that the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord must be the priority.
He also slammed the state government for its reluctance to conduct the Village Committee elections despite High Court orders, noting that contempt proceedings are already underway.
“Why is the state government so reluctant? Even court orders are not being honoured,” he questioned.
Pradyot, royal family head of Tripura, accused successive governments—both Congress and BJP—of failing the tribal communities and driving them towards frustration.
“There’s a systemic process to push tribals into the corner. Eventually, when they are frustrated and resort to violence, they are labelled terrorists,” he alleged.
Raising alarms over infiltration, Pradyot warned of a looming demographic and political shift in Tripura, adding that the state lacks sufficient police and administrative strength to control illegal immigration, particularly from Bangladesh and Myanmar and so the central government should directly engage. He linked the situation to the current unrest in Manipur and urged the Centre to act before it’s too late.
Despite the setbacks, Pradyot called on the indigenous people of Tripura to stay patient and united. “I believe we will win our fight for the socio-political and ecological rights of the Tiprasas,” he concluded.
