Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has thrown down the gauntlet to the ruling BJP, asserting that his party will contest all 28 seats in the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections and emerge victorious. Addressing a mass gathering at Motor Stand in Khumulwng, the headquarters of the TTAADC, Debbarma declared that the “warriors of Tipra Motha” are ready to take on the BJP in every constituency.
Debbarma criticised the current political discourse in Tripura, saying the BJP’s focus on religious divisions is overshadowing critical issues affecting the Tiprasa community, such as poverty, education, roads, water, and land rights. “They speak about Hindu and Christian, but nobody’s speaking about the poor or the future of Tiprasa and the next generation,” he said, emphasising the need for the community to focus on these pressing concerns.
He stressed the importance of “Thansa” (unity) among indigenous people, warning that divisions based on religion or politics would weaken the community. Debbarma alleged that the BJP broke its alliance with Tipra Motha and is now trying to silence him as he continues to push for the Tiprasa Accord.
Debbarma also cautioned voters against political inducements, saying the ruling party might try to lure them with money and promises. “My struggle’s always been for the welfare of the poor,” he said, adding that despite enduring political pressure and criticism for six years, he’ll keep fighting for Tiprasa rights and future.
“Bring it on, we’re ready to defeat the BJP,” Debbarma said, accepting the challenge. The TTAADC elections are seen as a crucial test for the BJP’s influence in Tripura’s tribal areas, and Debbarma’s assertive stance has added to the political tension in the state.