Agartala, December 15:
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha’s recent remarks opposing the adoption of Roman script for the Kokborok language have triggered a major political backlash within the ruling NDA alliance, exposing growing fault lines ahead of the crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.
Two days after Dr Saha, during a mass joining programme in Agartala, stated that his government was not in favour of Roman script for Kokborok and suggested that Kokborok-speaking intellectuals could develop a new script similar to the Chakma community if required, resentment among tribal allies has intensified.
Following strong condemnation by Tipra Motha Party, the BJP’s other key ally, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), has now openly demanded an apology from the Chief Minister.
Speaking to North East Live, IPFT general secretary Swapan Debbarma launched a scathing attack on the Chief Minister, alleging that Dr Saha lacked a proper understanding of the historic Kokborok movement.
Debbarma recalled that the demand for legal recognition of Roman script dates back to 1967, when the Tripura Upajati Juba Samiti (TUJS), the state’s first regional tribal party, was formed and the demand continues to exist till today.
“Those who are opposing Roman script today were not even in politics then,” Debbarma said, asserting that the demand is not limited to Tipra Motha or IPFT but represents the collective aspiration of the entire Tiprasa society that speaks Kokborok.
Accusing the Chief Minister of hurting tribal sentiments, the IPFT leader said Dr Saha had “disrespected a long-standing movement” and should have refrained from making such remarks.
“If he is not in favour of Roman script, he should have remained silent. He is not the Chief Minister of a particular party but of the entire state,” Debbarma said.
In a sharp political warning, Debbarma added that while Dr Saha may not allow a law recognising Roman script during his tenure, “some other Chief Minister will surely do it,” stressing that no one remains in power forever.
The IPFT general secretary further reminded the Chief Minister that Roman script for Kokborok is a core demand of BJP’s tribal alliance partners and urged him to “speak wisely or stay silent” on such sensitive issues.
With both Tipra Motha and IPFT expressing open displeasure, the controversy has assumed serious political significance ahead of the TTAADC elections. The standoff comes at a time when Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, under his ‘Thansa’ call, is attempting to forge a united tribal platform against national parties.
Whether the Chief Minister’s firm opposition to Roman script will help BJP consolidate its non-tribal base or instead push its tribal allies closer together against the party remains a critical question—one that could decisively shape the electoral battle in Tripura’s tribal heartland scheduled early next year.
