Agartala, January 18:
In a sharp escalation of tensions within the ruling NDA alliance just two months ahead of the crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, TIPRA Motha founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on Sunday openly challenged Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, asserting that neither money nor political power could defeat the indigenous Tiprasa people.
Addressing a gathering during the Hrangkhawl Annual Conference at Gangarai village under Jampuijala in Sepahijala district, Debbarma also sent a strong political message to New Delhi, accusing the state BJP leadership of acting merely as “postmen” who only deliver instructions from central leaders instead of carrying the voice of Tripura’s people to the national capital.
Without naming any individual, the Motha supremo said the present BJP leadership in Tripura has failed to take independent decisions and no longer represents the aspirations of the people.
“Leadership that only carries Delhi’s messages to Tripura is not required anymore. We need leaders who can take the concerns of our children’s future from Tripura to Delhi,” he said.
Drawing a sharp contrast, Debbarma remarked that while he was leaving for Delhi on the day, some other top leader was also travelling on the same flight and who would return carrying instructions from the Centre.
“The difference between a Rengpa (king) and other leaders is this — I go to Delhi to raise the voice of the Tiprasa, not to bring orders back. Postmen are no longer required,” he declared.
Issuing a direct political challenge, Pradyot said, “From here I want to tell the Chief Minister of Tripura — try whatever you can, but you cannot defeat us. In 2026 this Rengpa (king) will lift the honor of the Tiprasa and we are not going to lose in politics, language, religion and land. How much money they may put but the Tiprasa people are worried about the future of their children.”
Accusing the BJP of attempting to capture the TTAADC for party interests, he said TIPRA Motha was fighting not for political power but for the survival and future of the indigenous community.
“They want to win for the party; we are fighting for the victory of the community,” he asserted.
Debbarma strongly criticised mainstream political discourse, alleging that leaders were busy spreading hatred in the name of religion, China, Pakistan and racial identity while ignoring core indigenous issues such as education, Roman script, constitutional rights and the future of tribal children.
“Party, caste or religion is not important. The indigenous population and their future come first. Forget politics and unite as a community for the next generation,” he appealed.
Referring to the Mahabharata, he compared the struggle of the indigenous people to that of the Pandavas, saying numerical strength does not determine victory.
“Our number may be small, but courage, quality and honesty matter. Truth will win,” he said, expressing confidence that unity among indigenous communities under the ‘One North East’ vision would ensure success.
Warning against attempts to dilute indigenous identity, Pradyot said the Tiprasa people would not compromise on their culture, food, dress or religion for political gain.
“They want to change who you are — your face, your food, your faith. Will you allow it? No. We are Tiprasa, and we will remain Tiprasa,” he asserted.
Pradyot concluded by stating that political parties may come and go, but only unity among the indigenous communities would secure their rights and ensure long-term progress.
